Coast Starlight PPC Vs. SSL Question
- Thread starter prech786
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It appears that currently, only one SSL is in the consist. (Bag, Trans, Sl, SL,DC, Coach, SSL, Coach, Coach). Not sure if one will be added during the busy season, but seems doubtful.
The Starlight is now a standard western Superliner train. One SSL and one diner. Period, end of story.
fairviewroad
Engineer
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One difference: The CS offers a Business Class car, which is unique among the western LD trains. And while BC offers some amenities, it's certainly not a replacement for the PPC by any stretch of the imagination (nor is it marketed thusly).
But you're correct, just one SSL on the Coast Starlight, and I don't see that changing any time soon.
rtabern
Conductor
Not a rumor -- it is confirmed. Will arrive into Chicago on Saturday. The four cars are sitting on the back of #4 right now in the LA yards.
And off to Beech Grove's dead line.
rtabern
Conductor
It was funny all of the rumors going on during the final run of the PPC's a few weekends ago about their future.
The truth is no one knows expect folks high-up at Amtrak who are keeping their mouths shut.
One of the rumors being circulated was that the owner of the "sold off' Pacific Parlour Car (AMTK #39971) bought the other four cars. NOT TRUE. I spoke with the owner of #39971 on Monday night and he confirmed he most definitely did not buy the four Parlour Cars. In fact, he is trying to sell off his car, but is having a hard time because he only want to sell them off as a set with 2 other hi-level transition cars and 2 other hi-level coaches that he bought. All 5 cars have been collecting dust on the Illinois side of St. Louis since they were moved there from Beech Grove in 2003. I have been on #39971 in 2011 and again in 2015. In a few weeks I am going to release a story for Trainweb.com about that car... with plenty of shots of the interior and exterior... stay tuned.
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rtabern
Conductor
Update! Mechanical problems. Cars being pulled off so #4 can leave on time. Not going on tonight's train.
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That's the reason they were pulled off of the CS. They must really be in bad shape.
OlympianHiawatha
Engineer
I hope those 5 cars end up in a decent home, either a private collection or museum. It would be nice (although expensive) to see at least 1 restored to its original El Capitan configuration.
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bratkinson
Conductor
If they are bought by some operating museum or short line, they'd be restricted to operating with other high level or Superliner equipment. Alternatively, the end of a coach or the PPC could be modified to provide a transition stairway. Either way, it doesn't seem like they'd be ready to put into service until some modifications are made.
The Coach between DC and SSL is businessclass
cpotisch
Engineer
I thought in some Amtrak's 2018 financial plan or something that it said they intended to modify some CCCs for Parlour Car use. Whether they actually enough to do that is another matter. It's funny that one of Amtrak's most beloved cars is being replaced by the most hated.
