Superliner trains' removal and restoration of cars 2024

[uncleboots]

And also no Sightseer lounge for the Capitol Limited.

They are bringing back 5 Sightseer Lounge Cars but they didn’t say which route was getting them. I have to think it’s the Capitol Limited or the Texas Eagle or both.

 

[jis]

MODERATOR'S NOTE: A number of posts discussing LD trains East of Mississippi which have little to do with Superliner car removal and restoration, the subject of this thread, have been moved to a new general thread on that subject at:

https://www.amtraktrains.com/threads/east-of-mississippi-long-distance-ld-trains-2024.87110/

Please continue the realignment of eastern LD trains in that thread and reserve this thread for Superliner removal and restoration in Superliner trains.

Thank you for your understanding, cooperation and participation.

 

[NativeSon5859]

I just hope the Sunset gets its transition sleeper back. They’ve priced me out of taking the train NOL-LAX with the $1000+ prices ever since they went to only one sleeper.

 

[dlagrua]

Just to let everyone know that on our trips to and from Winslow, AZ on the Southwest chief in the last two weeks; both Superliner bedrooms that we had were completely refurbished with new rugs, upholstery and wall panels. On our return trip we did have Bedroom A that is a bit cramped but we left most of our luggage on the racks on the first level and we managed.

 

[Cal]

The entire derailed Chief consist from 2022 is in here. I see a handful of cars that look pretty shiny, and were taken out of service in the last 5 years. Are these mothballs? What's the status of the superliner fleet? How many cars is Amtrak getting back into service and how long have they been stored?

 

[Amtrakfflyer]

Where did the CL Super-liners end up going to? Has anything been expanded except coach on the ski train?

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Where did the CL Super-liners end up going to? Has anything been expanded except coach on the ski train?

The 2 sets that “ended” in WAS went to Chicago, or maybe Beech Grove, on 2 51’s

 

[zephyr17]

I doubt there would be absolutely immediate reassignment. I am sure a lot of us will be on the lookout for some consist additions in the coming months. Still hoping for the badly needed second Seattle coach for the Builder.

 

[Amtrak25]

Ivy City always had several Superliners scattered about as spares, a 37000-series diner was always parked on a track near the NEC for all to see. I presume they found their way back to Chicago too ?

 

[F900ElCapitan]

My guess is the extra cars will help support during typical winter maintenance is done during the slow season. For instance this is the first year in a very long time that the second Seattle sleeper has been held onto throughout the winter, or at least past October. Same with the SWC third coach, as the winters prior to Covid had the SWC with the transition sleeper, one full sleeper, and two coaches.

 

[Shanson]

Cal wrote:
"What's the status of the superliner fleet? How many cars is Amtrak getting back into service and how long have they been stored?"

I was at the fall RPA conference in Tucson. Gardner was there and stated there were only 26 Superliner cars still to be repaired. Any others stored at Beech Grove were determined to be unrepairable. I can't recall the mix, but a few were diners, and not near enough Lounges.

 

[PaTrainFan]

Cal wrote:
"What's the status of the superliner fleet? How many cars is Amtrak getting back into service and how long have they been stored?"

I was at the fall RPA conference in Tucson. Gardner was there and stated there were only 26 Superliner cars still to be repaired. Any others stored at Beech Grove were determined to be unrepairable. I can't recall the mix, but a few were diners, and not near enough Lounges.

This follow-up question is beyond the scope of this thread, but do you recall if he gave any guidance on Viewliners?
Thanks.

 

[jis]

This follow-up question is beyond the scope of this thread, but do you recall if he gave any guidance on Viewliners?
Thanks.

As for the Viewliner, from what I have learned talking to various people in the know, by the end of FY25 all Viewliners except 6 or so V1 Sleepers and 2 Viewliner Diners will be in service. The remaining Viewliners will hopefully get back in FY26 but have not heard any concrete statement about that yet. They also hope to reduce the PMO proportion of VL2s to the target 20% from the 30+% at present due to manufacturing defects that are yet to be resolved. This will effectively increase the number of cars that can actually be used in service.

 

[PaTrainFan]

As for the Viewliner, from what I have learned talking to various people in the know, by the end of FY25 all Viewliners except 6 or so V1 Sleepers and 2 Viewliner Diners will be in service. The remaining Viewliners will hopefully get back in FY26 but have not heard any concrete statement about that yet. They also hope to reduce the PMO proportion of VL2s to the target 20% from the 30+% at present due to manufacturing defects that are yet to be resolved. This will effectively increase the number of cars that can actually be used in service.

Thank you. I suppose I should know, but I do not. What is PMO?

 

[jis]

Thank you. I suppose I should know, but I do not. What is PMO?

Protect, Maintenance, Overhaul

 

[west point]

Not getting all View liners ready until FY-2026 has no excuse. Time to hire more employees at Beech Grove to speed up the work and maybe getting a few Superliners fixed afterwards. There is always the possibility that another Incident(s) will temporary sideline some equipment needing repair. Time to be proactive instead of reactive with the current shortage of equipment to meet pent up demand!!

 

[JWM]

Not getting all View liners ready until FY-2026 has no excuse. Time to hire more employees at Beech Grove to speed up the work and maybe getting a few Superliners fixed afterwards. There is always the possibility that another Incident(s) will temporary sideline some equipment needing repair. Time to be proactive instead of reactive with the current shortage of equipment to meet pent up demand!!

Common sense such as yours is very short supply. I grew up in Indianapolis and today's Amtrak Beech Grove shops were the pride of the Big Four (New York Central). I'm certain the workforce of that era would have had no trouble getting cars back on the rails. Sad.

 

[Trogdor]

Common sense such as yours is very short supply. I grew up in Indianapolis and today's Amtrak Beech Grove shops were the pride of the Big Four (New York Central). I'm certain the workforce of that era would have had no trouble getting cars back on the rails. Sad.

It’s not common sense that’s in short supply, but rather a workforce skilled in the trades necessary to perform this kind of work.

 

[PVD]

How much VL is Hialeah rather than BG?