Rafi
Conductor
Since it's kind of buried in the Cardinal Diner/Lounge thread, here are the links and my comments for those of you who didn't catch them yet (with some more details):
For those who are curious, I was able to snap some pictures of one of the new Diner-Lounges on the Cardinal today in DC. This particular car represented a mid-generation test model, whose design has since been tweaked slightly; another ADA-accessible table has been added to the dining room, more room has been added to the dining room (by relocating one of three trash receptacles and moving the wall back), etc. Aside from that, everything else is as we will see it on all future models.
Some background:
-All 25 Amfleet II cafe/lounge cars on the roster will be receiving this overhaul. So far, 8 are being used as test models. Amtrak's PR office is pushing the fact that this is a "test in progress" and that some things are bound to change (see above). While the Cardinal has the cars now, the PR folks made it clear that there's no guarantee that they'll stay there. They may decide to move them to another train in a few weeks to test other markets. That said, the response from the Cardinal test has been very good, and revenue has been "through the roof."
-Trains that are running high sleeper numbers will still have the diner, and the Diner/Lounge will be an alternative option and supplement; there are no plans to remove single level Diners from trains at this time. Trains with no/low sleeper numbers (possibly Cardinal, Palmetto, Vermonter, EAE, Carolinian, etc) will have just the Diner/Lounge.
-The Diner/Lounge attendants are being trained on how to use the steam table
-All cars are receiving the wood paneling motif with blue accents and enhanced lighting.
-The coach-side of the car does not come with table cloths, and represents the "lounge" side. Seating is open, first come, first serve.
-The sleeper-side of the car is the "Dining Room" and from what I was able to understand in context, is seated as a Dining Car with shared assigned seats, table cloths, and the same plastic china/metal silverware found in Diner Lite dining cars today. Sleeper Passengers have first-crack, but coach passengers are welcome to place their order at the cafe counter and have a seat for a served meal.
-The menu has been tweaked from the Capitol Limited's prototype. Some appetizers are smaller versions of full entrees, but priced cheaper. A passenger can pay a few dollars less for the economized meal/appetizer, or opt include all of the sides and have the full meal instead; they're trying to cater to folks who would normally scoff at the higher-priced dining car selections. And, by the way, Haagen Dazs "cup-sized" ice cream is stocked in the new freezer.
I've written a brief story on the topic, which may be of some interest: Click Here.
And, for those who like pictures, click here.
-Rafi
For those who are curious, I was able to snap some pictures of one of the new Diner-Lounges on the Cardinal today in DC. This particular car represented a mid-generation test model, whose design has since been tweaked slightly; another ADA-accessible table has been added to the dining room, more room has been added to the dining room (by relocating one of three trash receptacles and moving the wall back), etc. Aside from that, everything else is as we will see it on all future models.
Some background:
-All 25 Amfleet II cafe/lounge cars on the roster will be receiving this overhaul. So far, 8 are being used as test models. Amtrak's PR office is pushing the fact that this is a "test in progress" and that some things are bound to change (see above). While the Cardinal has the cars now, the PR folks made it clear that there's no guarantee that they'll stay there. They may decide to move them to another train in a few weeks to test other markets. That said, the response from the Cardinal test has been very good, and revenue has been "through the roof."
-Trains that are running high sleeper numbers will still have the diner, and the Diner/Lounge will be an alternative option and supplement; there are no plans to remove single level Diners from trains at this time. Trains with no/low sleeper numbers (possibly Cardinal, Palmetto, Vermonter, EAE, Carolinian, etc) will have just the Diner/Lounge.
-The Diner/Lounge attendants are being trained on how to use the steam table
-All cars are receiving the wood paneling motif with blue accents and enhanced lighting.
-The coach-side of the car does not come with table cloths, and represents the "lounge" side. Seating is open, first come, first serve.
-The sleeper-side of the car is the "Dining Room" and from what I was able to understand in context, is seated as a Dining Car with shared assigned seats, table cloths, and the same plastic china/metal silverware found in Diner Lite dining cars today. Sleeper Passengers have first-crack, but coach passengers are welcome to place their order at the cafe counter and have a seat for a served meal.
-The menu has been tweaked from the Capitol Limited's prototype. Some appetizers are smaller versions of full entrees, but priced cheaper. A passenger can pay a few dollars less for the economized meal/appetizer, or opt include all of the sides and have the full meal instead; they're trying to cater to folks who would normally scoff at the higher-priced dining car selections. And, by the way, Haagen Dazs "cup-sized" ice cream is stocked in the new freezer.
I've written a brief story on the topic, which may be of some interest: Click Here.
And, for those who like pictures, click here.
-Rafi