California Zephyr: consist?
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The last time I rode the CZ, back in 2014, the sleepers were in the back and the transition sleeper was in the front, where it should be.
Since Covid came along, the consists have been rather "inconsistent" relative to what we have seen in the past.
As for the transition sleeper, the Southwest Chief recently has a transition sleeper behind the power with the baggage at the rear of the train.
Check the Virtual Railfan cameras at the appropriate times to see the current consist of the CZ and the SWC. The SWC may also be viewed at other locations along the route.
As for the transition sleeper, the Southwest Chief recently has a transition sleeper behind the power with the baggage at the rear of the train.
Check the Virtual Railfan cameras at the appropriate times to see the current consist of the CZ and the SWC. The SWC may also be viewed at other locations along the route.
So it is like my image except for one less coach.
Here's todays #5 at Galesburg...
Trans/Dorm plus two Sleepers behind the Baggage Car, Diner, SSL and two Coaches.
Trans/Dorm plus two Sleepers behind the Baggage Car, Diner, SSL and two Coaches.
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My zephyr trip November 2020 had 6 cars. 2 sleepers, Diner, SSL, and two coaches.
no baggage car.
no baggage car.
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My Oct/Nov 2021 trip had transdorm (or sleepr - I didn't look close), 2 more sleepers, diner, lounge and 2 coach.
I believe I have pictures of all the cars on the outgoing trip.
I believe I have pictures of all the cars on the outgoing trip.
The CZ passes me in/out of DUS daily. That is the "normal" consist for some time now. Occasionally an additional coach, PV or dead-head car bringing up the rear. And watching VR close to the same for the SWC but with and sometimes without the baggage car tacked on the rear. Appears a coach-baggage is the norm on the SWC and a baggage on the rear periodically. I assume the baggage is based on load factors.
Virtual Railfan is excellent been a supporter for some time. But I found one link (playlist) on YouTube that covers all VR cameras and a few others. Used to be able on VR to switch cameras but I think I remember them saying that YouTube stopped the capability for some reason. Like the LaPlata station has three(3) cameras but only one shows up on VR now. Same with Flagstaff, Ft. Madison and a couple of others. Several of the listed cameras are hosted by other sites. Those following the Brightline down in south Florida can watch them traverse the New River in Ft. Lauderdale. Then see the megabucks boats cruising up and down the river. Some of the links have other cams of various subjects to explore.
I have nothing to do with this site and just tripped across it looking for all kinds of live cameras. "Only Live America Railroad Cams" https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDlykLh1oq0EknlIbiNWbhxya4F0Ruw2n
On Youtube, just below the viewing window, you will see the links for the three cameras at La Plata:
VR member/subscribers can display multiple cameras in different layouts. Here are the three cameras at La Plata:
VR member/subscribers can display multiple cameras in different layouts. Here are the three cameras at La Plata:
Yeah I've seen 'em. Just used to use the switch camera button a lot. And there are several others on the one site that are interesting too. VR is great - watching #4 at GBB right now.
Hi,
Forgive me if this query has been asked before. I'm new to this and didn't see one. I'm booked in sleeper car 532, room E on the westbound train later this summer. Does anyone know where this car might be located and the advantages/ disadvantages of this particular car? Thanks in advance.
Forgive me if this query has been asked before. I'm new to this and didn't see one. I'm booked in sleeper car 532, room E on the westbound train later this summer. Does anyone know where this car might be located and the advantages/ disadvantages of this particular car? Thanks in advance.
Siegmund
Lead Service Attendant
The 532 car will be farther from the diner than the 531 car. A typical consist is baggage - transition sleeper - 532 sleeper - 531 sleeper - diner - lounge - coach - coach. You won't know in advance which side of the train you'll be on as the sleeper don't always face the same direction. Room E is in the center of the car right at the top of the stairway.
Thank you.
I'm on the California Zephyr right now out of Chicago and this is the current consist: locomotive 184, locomotive ???, Baggage, transdorm, 532 sleeper, 531 sleeper, dining car, sightseer lounge, coach, coach, coach. I'm in an odd number roomette which today is on the north side of the train heading west.
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We are traveling first time on the CZ next month, CHI to EMY. We will be in a bedroom; we don't know which side we will have. Which side has the best views going west? Would appreciate any info on some sights to watch out for. If anyone can help, please let us know which side some sightings will be on. If they are not on the side our window faces, we can go to the hallway, if the hallway has opposite faced windows, or the observation car. I will try and find online, some sites that the CZ passes. But I figured all you riders of the CZ would have the best knowledge.
There is no way to know in advance which side of the train your room will face. there are debates about which side is best anyway. Either way, you'll have a terrific experience!
billosborn
Train Attendant
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Normally, 0531 is the sleeper that is next to the dining car, i.e it is the closest of the three sleepers.
Then can i assume that rooms 7-8 would be real close as the rooms 1 and 2 would be the closest to the engine?
Rooms 1 and 2 are in the center of the car. The bedrooms A-E are on one side and the roomettes 1-10 are on the other side. It will vary as to whether the roomettes or the bedrooms are closest to the dining car.
billosborn
Train Attendant
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Here is a link to a diagram of the sleeper
https://www.craigmashburn.com/amtrakcardiagrams.html
- scroll down to the Sleeper diagram. 7 and 8 are towards one end of the car, but since the cars can get turned around, it is not possible to say if that is the end closest to the diner car or at the other end.
https://www.craigmashburn.com/amtrakcardiagrams.html
- scroll down to the Sleeper diagram. 7 and 8 are towards one end of the car, but since the cars can get turned around, it is not possible to say if that is the end closest to the diner car or at the other end.
Looking at CZ #6 on Galesburg VRF railcam today @ 13:24, it appears to have both a full baggage car behind the engine and a bag-coach at the tail end. Why?
Fat_Panda_Guy
Train Attendant
I'm going to be in SLC for a few days and instead of flying back east, I'm contemplating taking CZ to RIC then BART to either SFO or OAK. Train is currently at 30%, so I'm hoping I'll have my choice of roomettes when I call. Going west is it more scenic out the north side or south side of the car? Or does it really matter?
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