Hi-Level Sleeper - The Car that Never Was

[Brian Battuello]

Well written. We can only hope. Unfortunately we have been through (and are in) administrations that just aren't interested in Amtrak or other rail transit, with the pleasant exception of Brightline down in Florida. Some years ago I read a long opinion piece about why somewhat wealthier people and the politicians that represent them like cars and planes (especially business class) and have no interest in trains or busses. And I bet they don't even know sleeping cars exist.

But we don't need to rehash that here.

 

[PaTrainFan]

I see the return of the passenger train inevitable as air and highway congestion, and the massive cost of air and highway infrastructure, make sole reliance on those modes entirely unrealistic and infeasible.

Inevitable if politicians allow it to happen. That is where the future of rail will determined, unfortunately,

 

[west point]

We including myself think population of the USA is going to steadily increase in the future. However, I am not so sure it will happen. Too many unknown unknowns worldwide and politically here in the US.

 

[west point]

Does anyone know if Santa Fe could have ordered a taller sleeper?. Or was the HI level cars limited by overhead clearances anywhere? Cannot even remember if its CHI SF station had overhead canopies.

 

[jiml]

Does anyone know if Santa Fe could have ordered a taller sleeper?. Or was the HI level cars limited by overhead clearances anywhere? Cannot even remember if its CHI SF station had overhead canopies.

Interesting question. In addition I once read that the design of the hi-levels had something to do with balancing the height with the ability to maintain the track speeds set by Santa Fe's prestige trains (without tipping over on curves). They were also very heavy, with the diners even having 6 axles to support them. The end result may have been an ideal center of gravity - something that is lacking in taller, lighter cars.

 

[JWM]

It would have been an interesting concept and the "El Capitan", as I have read, said booking records when it was introduced in 1956. For more, check out the story link. https://www.trains.com/ctr/railroads/passenger-service/santa-fe-el-capitan-of-1956/