Whatever became of the bi-level Gallery Coaches Amtrak used to run in the Midwest? I know there are "newer" models of those and they do just fine on METRA and I would think with Amtrak style seats and a Business Class and Lounge area they could work on the Midwest routes.
I've never been inside a NJT bi-level. I've read here that luggage storage would be a problem with them but much less so with a gallery car. The ones I rode many years ago appeared to have plenty of luggage storage, for both levels, in the open racks over the aisle. The upper level on the gallery car was a bit cramped with the single seating and narrow aisle. I was alot smaller then too.
I can't recall the specific type of coach seats in the gallery cars but they were not the vinyl walkover type. They were separate seats that reclined and had foot rests. The upstairs seats were the same just one on each side separated by the railing and the view to the first level. The upper level seats were raised a bit, similar to the step up in a slumbercoach. I believe these were the cars that CNW used for its Flambeau trains to WI. Back in the day, CNW raised the roofline of a standard diner to match the roof level of the gallery cars. There is a book, "Route of the 400's", that has numerous interior pictures.
The ones Amtrak acquired from the C&NW were built as long-distance cars with reclining seats....2x2 on main level, and 1x2 on upper level. There was even a dinette car.
Bill or one of the other equipment experts from the old days can correct me if I'm wrong but I don't remember tinted windows on the old day coaches back in the late 40s and early 50s when I rode the SP and Mopac and Katy trains alot.Not sure about the pullman cars, it was rare for me to ride them?
I believe it was done as a way to cut maintenance costs.....much cheaper to spend a little more for tinted windows, than to have to clean and repair window shades. Pro's and Con's for tinting...cuts glare but doesn't block entire view....makes photo's come out poorly....etc.
Tinted windows became a norm in air conditioned cars because the windows are the major source of heat in summer.
I'm sure if it's green, GML has no problem with it, no matter the degree of tint or the reason for it.
Yes that is correct GML... my word people I understand the logic of "tinting windows" I was speaking of the GREEN tint that Metra cars have, why would they tint train windows green is my question.
Well MNCR and Amtrak cars had green tinting too, lately new cars have more of a smoked tint.
