Overview:

I'm looking to construct a comprehensive list of cars that were acquired or leased by AOE over the years, including both parts cars and cars that were stored unused.

This would also include predecessor American European Express and related operation Montana Rockies Rail Tours. MRRT was operated by BKS (Beaver-Kirkwood-Steplock) Limited, or BKSX, as the Montana Rockies Daylight through 1998 when MRRT was sold to AOE, which changed the name to American Spirit. MRRT was sold to a new company, Rail Quest America (RQAX) in late 2000/early 2001, at which point the name returned to Montana Rockies Daylight. Was the predecessor to the BKS version of Montana Rockies Daylight known as Trans Rocky Mountain Tours?

Cars were leased by AOE over the years from various private owners and leasing groups, which are included in the listings as well.

I'm a little fuzzy on the exact timeline/ownership history of the AEE/AOE operation, but I know AOE was for a time owned by Henry Hillman's Oregon Rail Corporation, and that in 2006 it was bought out by Tom Rader-Colorado Railcar, at which time the company changed names to Grandluxe Rail Journeys.

AOE also moved the car shops from Colorado to outside Olympia, WA, in 2001 under Hillman's ownership.

Grandluxe Rail Journeys was in turn acquired by ANSCO-Xanterra for the planned American Railway Explorer and/or a reboot of the Ski Train, which was later mothballed and the cars either transferred to GCRY or dispersed, some of which were acquired by Ross Rowland for the planned Greenbrier Express.

If anyone can provide a fuller history of AEE/AOE, including the company's origins and subsequent name/ownership changes, this would be most helpful and informative.

On to the cars:

Sorted by original owner.

AT&SF:

14 seat lunch counter 20 seat diner #1556 (Budd, Lot #9627-013, 1948) to Amtrak #8101 converted in 1980 to HEP lounge #3107 wrecked in 11-1988 on #88 and sold in 1995 to Montana Rockies Daylight* as parts source. Sold (when??) to private ownership and moved in 2005 to storage at ITAX.

*Did this car receive BKSX reporting marks in 1995?? Did this car become RQAX property in 2001 before being sold circa 2004 to another party?? Philip Sheridan or someone else??

14 seat lunch counter 20 seat diner #1560 (Budd, Lot #9627-013, 1948) to Amtrak #8105 converted in 1980 to HEP lounge #3109 retired and sold in 1995 to Montana Rockies Daylight* and reconfigured to club diner. Sold in 2001?? to Rail Quest America (RQAX) #3109 for MRRT. Leased 2005-2008* to Alaska RR as café diner #353. Sold in 2011 to Galveston RR Museum and named City of Galveston (#800911).

*Did this car receive BKSX reporting marks in 1995?? Was this car sold in 2004 to Philip Sheridan-IFE Leasing??

48 seat chair #2823 (Budd, Lot #9613-135, 1953) to Amtrak #4817 converted in 1980 to HEP #4700 retired and sold in 1995 to Montana Rockies Daylight*. Sold in 2001?? to Rail Quest America (RQAX) #4700 for MRRT*. Sold (when??)* to MRLX #4700 and named Tohatchi.

*Was this car a parts source or was it used by MRRT?? BKSX reporting marks?? I don't have concrete info that #4700 was sold to RQAX as the #4734 was below, conjecture at this point. If that is the case, was this car sold in 2004 to Philip Sheridan-IFE Leasing and leased to MRLX for operation?

48 seat chair #2849 (Budd, Lot #9613-135, 1953) to Amtrak #4861 converted in 1980 to HEP #4734 retired and sold in 1995 to Montana Rockies Daylight*. Sold in 2001?? to Rail Quest America (RQAX) #4734 for MRRT. Sold (when??)* to MRLX #4734 and named Otowi.

*Did this car receive BKSX reporting marks in 1995?? Was this car sold in 2004 to Philip Sheridan-IFE Leasing and leased to MRLX for operation?

A&WP:

Crescent 44 seat diner #501 (Budd, Lot #9624-030, 1949) to Amtrak #8026 planned conversion to HEP #8529 was cancelled, converted in 1985 to Auto Train HEP #8750 instead. Stored in 1996 and sold in 2002 to Rail Quest America (RQAX) #8750 for MRRT, reconfigured to diner lounge, and named Yellowstone Park (2nd). Leased 2005-2009* to Alaska RR as #323. Sold (when??) to MRLX #8750*.

*Was this car sold in 2004 to Philip Sheridan-IFE Leasing?? If that is the case, is this car owned by IFE and leased to MRLX for operation??

B&O:

10RM-6DB sleeper #7045 Opequon (P-S, Lot #6864, Plan #4167, 1950) sold in 1971 to 8404 Corporation (PVTC) #5465 (Toledo, OH). Sold (when??) to AEE #11 (#800231), reconfigured to 2SR-8DB* crew dormitory, and renamed Monte Carlo, later AOE. Current status unknown.

*Garner lists reconfiguration as 8DB.

CB&Q:

California Zephyr dome 3DB-1DR sleeper 26 seat club lounge observation #377 Silver Solarium (Budd, Lot #9659-019, Plan #9511, 1948) to BN #1287 (not applied, numbered BN #377 instead) to Amtrak #9252 retired in 1978 and sold in 1985 to Nav Fosse-Cedar Rail Enterprises (CREX) #377 (#800333) and leased to Branson Scenic. Sold in 2002 to Roy Wullich-Rail Journeys West #800333 (Santa Clara, CA) and leased to AOE during that year. Sold in 2003?? to Bert Hermey-Al Bishop-California Zephyr Railcar Charters (CZRC) #377 (#800333).

Denver Zephyr 5C-6DB sleeper #454 Silver Pelican (Budd, Lot #9641-169, Plan #9539, 1956) to BN to Amtrak #2204 converted in 1983 to HEP #2222 retired and sold in 1995 to AOE and renamed Yellowstone Park (1st) (#800755). Current status unknown.

Empire Builder full dome lounge #1395 River View (Budd, Lot #9679-155, 1955) to BN to Amtrak #9365 converted in 1985 to HEP #9302 retired and sold in 2001 to AOE and renamed Copper Canyon (#800743). Transferred by Xanterra to GCRY, retained name Copper Canyon.

Twin Zephyr dome 54 seat coach #4729 Silver Scene (Budd, Lot #9646-015, 1947) to BN #5484 (applied) to Amtrak #9544 retired in 1983 and sold in 1984 to Espirit de Corps Sportswear, donated later that year to Project 2472 Group. Sold in 1987 to Bill Brommer and renamed Silver Saddle II. Sold in 1994 to BKS Limited (BKSX) #9544 (#800269) for Montana Rockies Daylight, name changed back to Silver Scene. Sold in 1998 to Lou Steplock-Wyoming & Pacific (WPRX) #9544 (#800269) and leased to MRRT. Sold in 2001 to Rail Quest America-MRRT (RQAX) #9544 and renamed City of Livingston. Sold in 2004 to Philip Sheridan-IFE Leasing and name changed back to Silver Scene. Current status unknown.

CN:

Baggage #9261 (NSC, 1957) converted in 1968 to power car #15300 to VIA Rail #15300. Retired and sold (when??) to Rail Quest America (RQAX)* and sold (when??) to MRLX #104. Current status unknown.

*Was this car acquired by BKSX/Montana Rockies Daylight, and if so, what was the car number?? Was this car acquired by Philip Sheridan-IFE Leasing in 2004??

C&O:

Dome snack bar 20 seat coach 16 seat lounge observation #1877 (Budd, Lot #9671-017, 1948) sold in 1949 to D&RGW #1250, reconfigured to 42 seat coach dome observation. Sold in 1970 to William W. Kratville-Autoliner Corporation #200 Linoma, reconfigured to 28 seat coach 10 seat lounge observation, and leased to Amtrak. Sold in 1974 to Amtrak #9384 retired and sold in 1976 to Choo Choo Hilton (Chattanooga). Sold in 1994 to TVRM. Sold in 1996 to ITAX. Sold in 1999 to AOE, remained at ITAX for planned overhaul. Sold in 2005 to MRLX. Sold in 2006 to unknown party. Current status unknown.

5DB sleeper 26 seat buffet lounge observation (blunt end) #2507 Wolverine Club (P-S, Lot #6863, Plan #4165, 1950) sold in 1951 to B&O #7501 and renamed Wawasee to Amtrak #3250 retired and sold in 1977 to Gordon Ingram #3250 and renamed San Diego Club (LaJolla, CA). Sold (when??) to Genesee & Wyoming (GNWR) #3250 and renamed Pride of the Genesee (#800246). Sold (when??) to John Kirkwood-Rail Ventures (RVIX) #800246. Sold (when??) to AOE #800246, reconfigured to 3DB crew dormitory-diner lounge, and renamed Monterey. Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Sold (when??) to Iowa Pacific-San Luis & Rio Grande as SLRG #3312, renamed Adirondack Club, painted in IC Chocolate & Orange, and assigned to Pullman Rail Journeys (#800246).

10RM-6DB sleeper #2613 City of Staunton (P-S, Lot #6864, Plan #4167, 1950) sold in 1970 to Iron Horse Restaurant (Steamboat Springs, CO). Sold (when??) to private ownership #800923. Sold (when??) to AEE #2 (#800258), reconfigured to 2SR-8DB, and renamed Washington, later AOE. Current status unknown.

10RM-6DB sleeper #2636 City of Grand Rapids (P-S, Lot #6864, Plan #4167, 1950) sold in 1970 to Iron Horse Restaurant (Steamboat Springs, CO). Sold (when??) to private ownership #800922. Sold (when??) to AEE #1 (#800256). Current status unknown.

11DB sleeper #2800 Homestead (P-S, Lot #6865, Plan #4168, 1950) sold in 1970 to SCL #6110 to Amtrak #2242. Retired in 1981 and sold in 1983 to private ownership #800130. Sold (when??) to Genesee & Wyoming (GNWR) #2242 and renamed Nightcall of the Genesee (#800218). Sold (when??) to John Kirkwood-Rail Ventures (RVIX) #800218 and renamed Bella Vista (1st). Sold (when??) to AOE #800218*, reconfigured to 9DB* sleeper lounge, and renamed Portland. Repainted for American Railway Explorer as Bryce Canyon. Transferred by Xanterra to GCRY. Current status unknown.

*Garner lists reconfiguration as 8DB, and as AOE #2.

GN:

Empire Builder dome 46 seat coach #1325 (Budd, Lot #9646-155, 1955) to BN #4605 (not applied) to Amtrak #9465 converted in 1983 to HEP #9409. Stored in 1995 and sold in 1996 to BKS Limited (BKSX) #9409 for Montana Rockies Daylight, not used. Sold in 1998 to AOE #800723 for MRRT-American Spirit, remained AOE property after RQAX bought out MRRT. Used on AOE in 2004, sold in 2005 to CN, painted in IC Two Tone Gray.

Empire Builder dome 46 seat coach #1331 (Budd, Lot #9646-155, 1955) to BN #4611 (not applied) to Amtrak #9471 converted in 1984 to HEP #9410. Retired and sold in 1995 to BKS Limited (BKSX) #9410 for Montana Rockies Daylight. Sold in 1998 to AOE for MRRT-American Spirit. Sold in 2001 to Rail Quest America (RQAX) #9410 for MRRT. Sold in 2004 to Philip Sheridan-MRLX* #9410. Leased 2005-2007 to Alaska RR. Leased 2008??-2012 to CVSR as #9410 Emerson (1st).

*Is the #9410 owned by Philip Sheridan-IFE and leased to MRLX for operation??

Empire Builder full dome lounge #1392 Mountain View (Budd, Lot #9679-155) to BN to Amtrak #9362 converted in 1985 to HEP #9301 and assigned to Auto Train renumbered in 1997 to #10030 retired and sold in 2001 to AOE and renamed New Orleans (#800742). Repainted for American Railway Explorer as Yellowstone. Transferred by Xanterra to GCRY and renamed Fred Harvey.

MILW:

Twin Cities Hiawatha full dome #58 (P-S, Lot #6908, Plan #7635, 1952) to Amtrak #9382 retired in 1976 and sold in 1977?? to Tom McOwen-William Sprague-Railway Exposition Company and used on Chessie Safety Express as #20. Sold in 1998 to Henry Hillman-Oregon Rail Corporation #800265, not rebuilt due to severe rust. Stored at shops in Denver, then moved to storage at Olympia shops. Donated in 2008 to Chehalis-Centralia RR. Car had major rust issues and had been heavily vandalized, and after no interested parties came forward, car was scrapped by CCRR in 11-2009.

NKP:

5DB sleeper 22 seat buffet lounge-crew room #150 City of Cleveland (P-S, Lot #6867, Plan #4169, 1950) to N&W to Amtrak #3253. Retired and sold in 1977 to Rod Basiah #800050 and renamed Montecito (Laguna Hills, CA). Sold (when??) to AOE #800050, reconfigured to 2SR-2DB* crew dormitory, and renamed San Francisco. Transferred by Xanterra to GCRY. Current status unknown.

*Garner lists reconfiguration as 1DB-2MB.

NP:

North Coast Limited dome 46 seat coach #550 (Budd, Lot #9646-141, 1954) to BN #4617 (not applied) to Amtrak #9477 converted in 1983 to HEP #9407. Retired and sold in 1995 to BKS Limited (BKSX) #9407 for Montana Rockies Daylight. Sold in 1998 to AOE for MRRT-American Spirit. Sold in 2001 to Rail Quest America (RQAX) #9407 for MRRT. Sold in 2004 to Philip Sheridan-MRLX* #9407. Leased 2005-2007 to Alaska RR. Leased (or sold??) to Indiana RR.

*Is/was the #9407 owned by Philip Sheridan-IFE and leased to MRLX for operation??

NYC:

20th Century Limited 5DB sleeper 23 seat buffet lounge observation #10571 Sandy Creek (P-S, Lot #6790, Plan #4126, 1948) renumbered in 1958 to #10634 sold in 1968 to Judge Roy Hofheinz-Astrodomain (Houston). Sold (when??) to Sandy Creek Corporation #6639. Sold (when??) to AOE, reconfigured to buffet parlor lounge observation, and renamed New York (#800321). Sent to Pete Messina's shops for refurbishing, to be placed in service on NS excursions, outshopped late 2013 in NS Tuscan Red as RPCX #800321, name changed back to Sandy Creek. Based at Juniata with rest of NS fleet.

SAL:

11DB sleeper #75 Tallahassee (P-S, Lot #6968, Plan #4198A, 1956) to SCL #6104 to Amtrak #2234 retired and sold in 1977 to John Brigham #800028 (Plano, TX). Sold (when??) to Starlight Rail Company #800028 and renamed Blue Bonnet. Sold (when??) to AOE #800028, reconfigured to 9DB crew dormitory, and name changed back to Tallahassee. Sold (when??) to Iowa Pacific-San Luis & Rio Grande as SLRG #9115, renamed Baton Rouge, painted in IC Chocolate & Orange, and assigned to Pullman Rail Journeys/general charter pool (#800028).

48 seat diner #6108 (Budd, Lot #9624-009, 1947) to SCL #5913 to Amtrak #8013 retired and sold in 1983 to private ownership #6108 and named New River Gorge (#800215). Sold (when??) to AOE and stored at Olympia shops with another unidentified Budd car for planned conversion. Current status unknown.

SOU:

Pullman 10S-2DR sleeper #2433 Point Richards (Lot #4961, Plan #3584A, 1926) sold to SOU 12/31/1948 converted in 1953?? to steam generator #BC2, later (when??) renumbered to #960605 to NS #26 (1st). Sold in 1990?? to New Georgia RR (NGRX) #1402. Sold in 1995 to John Kirkwood* for Montana Rockies Daylight. Sold in 1998?? to Lou Steplock-Wyoming & Pacific (WPRX) #1402. Stored in Portland & Western's yard in Albany, OR, with WPRX (ex-GN) Ranch Car #1241 Running Crane Lake and P&W (ex-AT&SF) business car #35 Casper Mountain.

*Did this car receive RVIX, BKSX, or WPRX reporting marks at that time??

SP:

Sunset Limited 44 seat chair #2367 (1st) (Budd, Lot #9613-040, 1950) transferred in 1951 to T&NO #440 transferred in 1961 back to SP #2228 to Amtrak #4415 converted in 1980 to HEP 40 seat ADA coach #4001. Stored in 1995 and sold in 1995?? to Montana Rockies Daylight*. Sold in 2001?? to Rail Quest America (RQAX) #4001 for MRRT. Leased 2005-2006* to Alaska RR as #220. Sold (when??)* to MRLX #4001 and named Golden Sea.

*Was this car sold in 2004 to Philip Sheridan-IFE Leasing?? If that is the case, is this car owned by IFE and leased to MRLX for operation??

Sunset Limited 44 seat chair #2370 (1st) (Budd, Lot #9613-040, 1950) transferred in 1951 to T&NO #443 transferred in 1961 back to SP #2231 to Amtrak #4418 converted in 1981 to HEP 40 seat ADA coach #4013. Retired and sold in 1995 to Montana Rockies Daylight*. Sold in 2001?? to Rail Quest America (RQAX) #4013 for MRRT. Leased 2005-2006? to Alaska RR as #221. Sold (when??)* to MRLX #4013 and named Golden Surf.

*Was this car sold in 2004 to Philip Sheridan-IFE Leasing?? If that is the case, is this car owned by IFE and leased to MRLX for operation??

Sunset Limited baggage-16 bunk dormitory #3103 (Budd, Lot #9614-040, 1950) transferred in 1951 to T&NO #301 transferred in 1961 back to SP #3103 to Amtrak #1531 converted in 1980 to HEP #1622. Stored in 1994 and sold (when??) to ITAX, later (when??) to AOE, reconfigured to laundry-storage car, and named Los Angeles (#800715). Sold (when??) to Bill Wherry. Mr. Wherry passed away, car is stored at Burnham Shops in Denver awaiting sale by his estate.

4DB-4C-2DR sleeper #9119 (P-S, Lot #6871, Plan #4069M, 1950) to Amtrak #2381 retired in 1981 and sold in 1982 to Les Kasten. Sold (when??) to Golden Arrow Tours (GALT) #800020 (Janesville, WI). Sold (when??) to Wisconsin & Calumet. Sold (when??) to AEE #3 (#800297), reconfigured to 4SR-2DB, and named Istanbul, later AOE. Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Current status unknown.

4DB-4C-2DR sleeper #9120 (P-S, Lot #6871, Plan #4069M, 1950) to Amtrak #2382 retired in 1981 and sold in 1983 to AEE #4 (#800298), reconfigured to 4SR-4SB, and named Paris, later AOE. Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Current status unknown.

UP:

11DB sleeper #1501 Placid Bay (P-S, Lot #6958, Plan #4198, 1956) to Amtrak #2260 retired in 1981 and sold in 1983 to AEE #10* (#800249), later AOE but unused. Sold (when??) to Les Kasten-ITAX. Current status unknown.

*Garner lists this car as AEE #6.

11DB sleeper #1504 Placid Lake (P-S, Lot #6958, Plan #4198, 1956) to Amtrak #2263 wrecked in 10-1980?? and sold in 1981 to Indiana RY Museum (French Lick). Sold (when??) to AEE #13 (#800255), reconfigured to 2SR-7DB, and renamed Berlin, later AOE. Sold (when??) to Kevin Moore as RPCX #800255 (Lancaster, PA). Was in Seattle last September for the 2013 AAPRCO convention train to Napa, CA.

11DB sleeper #1506 Placid Scene (P-S, Lot #6958, Plan #4198, 1956) to Amtrak #2265 converted in 1984 to HEP #2235 retired and sold in 1996 to AOE, used as crew dormitory, and renamed Grand Canyon (#800668). Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Current status unknown.

11DB sleeper #1510 Placid Waters (P-S, Lot #6958, Plan #4198, 1956) to Amtrak #2269 retired in 1981 and sold in 1982 to Trans Rocky Mountain Tours #800109. Sold (when??) to AEE #5 (#800109), reconfigured to 2SR-7DB, and renamed Vienna, later AOE. Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Current status unknown.

5DB sleeper 24 seat club (buffet) lounge Cheyenne (P-S, Lot #6959, Plan #4199, 1956) reconfigured in 1965 to 11DB sleeper #1702 Star Crest (Plan #6008) to Amtrak #2251 converted in 1983 to HEP #2231. Retired and sold in 2001 to AOE, reconfigured to 8SR-1SB, and renamed Santa Fe (#800768). Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Current status unknown.

5DB sleeper 24 seat club (buffet) lounge La Grande (P-S, Lot #6959, Plan #4199, 1956) reconfigured in 1965 to 11DB sleeper #1704 Star Range (Plan #6008) to Amtrak #2253 converted in 1984 to HEP #2233. Retired in 2001?? and sold in 2002 to AOE, used as crew dormitory, and renamed Pacific Star (#800744*). Stored (when??) in Fort Lupton, CO, and later (when??) sold to Dave Hoffman-Northern Sky Rail Charters. Current status unknown.

*If the Pacific Star was #800744, then it was one of three cars to be assigned this number. The other two are NS (ex-SOU #1A) executive sleeper #2 Carolina and buffet lounge sleeper Silver Star (ex-Amtrak 10-6 #2886 Pacific Scene, exx-#2631, nee-UP #1438). I've also seen the Pacific Star listed as #800774.

5DB sleeper 24 seat club (buffet) lounge North Platte (P-S, Lot #6959, Plan #4199, 1956) reconfigured in 1965 to 11DB sleeper #1705 Star Scene (Plan #6008) to Amtrak #2254 converted in 1984 to HEP #2234. Stored in 1996 and sold in 1997?? to AOE, reconfigured to 9DB, and renamed Montreal (#800757). Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Sold (when??) to Wisconsin Great Northern (WGNS) #12.

14S sleeper Alpine Meadow (AC&F, Lot #3816, Plan #9017, 1953) reconfigured in 1965 to 44 seat leg rest chair #5548 to Amtrak #4588. Sold in 1983 to AEE #9 (#800310), reconfigured to club lounge, and named Bay Point, later AOE and renamed Seattle. Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Current status unknown.

14S sleeper Alpine View (AC&F, Lot #3816, Plan #9017, 1953) reconfigured in 1965 to 44 seat leg rest chair #5556 to Amtrak #4596. Sold in 1983 to AEE #6* (#800311), reconfigured to club lounge, and named St. Moritz, later AOE and renamed Rocky Mountain. Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Current status unknown.

*Garner lists this car as AEE #10.

City of Los Angeles/City of Portland 24 seat café (diner) 29 seat lounge #5004 (AC&F, Lot #3031, 1949) reconfigured in 1959 to 8 seat lunch counter 24 seat café (diner) 16 seat lounge (for City of Portland/City of Denver) sold in 1971 to Alaska RR #5004. Sold in 1987 to Northern Rail Car. Sold (when??) to AEE #7 (#800301), reconfigured to diner, and named Zurich, later AOE. Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Current status unknown.

8 seat lunch counter 24 seat café (diner) 16 seat lounge #5014 (StLCC, Lot #1806, 1959) sold in 1971 to Alaska RR #5014. Sold in 1987 to St. Louis Car. Sold (when??) to AEE #8 (#800308), reconfigured to diner, and named Chicago, later AOE. Transferred by Xanterra to GCRY. Current status unknown.

City of Denver kitchen-dormitory #5106 (1st) (AC&F, Lot #3814, 1953) renumbered in 1956 to #5112 sold in 1968 to Great Western Tours (GWT) #112 and named Nomad. Sold in 1980 to Sierra RR #112. Sold in 1986 to Western Rail Services. Sold (when??) to Supper Chief. Sold (when??) to Indiana RR #112. Sold (when??) to Sunday River Ski Train. Sold (when??) to Cape Cod Central. Sold in 2000?? to BC Rail #1740 and renamed D'Arcy. Retired in 2001 following CN merger and sold in 2002?? to AOE and renamed Vancouver (#800764), in service as of September 2002. Later (when??) stored at Fort Lupton, CO, and sold (when??) to unknown party. Current status unknown.

City of Denver 66 seat diner 6 seat waiting lounge #5106 (1st) (AC&F, Lot #3811, 1953) renumbered in 1956 to #5113 sold in 1968 to Great Western Tours (GWT) #111 and named Adventurer. Sold in 1980 to Sierra RR #111. Sold in 1986 to Western Rail Services. Sold (when??) to Supper Chief. Sold (when??) to Indiana RR #111. Sold (when??) to Sunday River Ski Train. Sold (when??) to Cape Cod Central. Sold in 2000?? to BC Rail #1741 and renamed Strathnaver. Retired in 2001 following CN merger and sold in 2002?? to AOE and renamed Jasper (#800765), in service as of September 2002. Later (when??) stored at Fort Lupton, CO, and sold (when??) to unknown party. Current status unknown.

44 seat leg rest chair #5488 (StLCC, Lot #1807, 1960) sold in 1969 to GN #1008 to BN #4408 (not applied) to Amtrak #4550 converted in 1981 to HEP #4647 retired and sold in 1995 to AOE (as parts source??). Sold (when??) to Ringling Brothers (RBBX) #43009.

44 seat leg rest chair #5490 (StLCC, Lot #1807, 1960) to Amtrak #4555 converted in 1979 to HEP #4619 retired in 2001?? and sold in 2002 to AOE, reconfigured to 8SR-1SB sleeper, and named Denver (#800740*). Repainted for American Railway Explorer as Grand Teton. Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Current status unknown.

*Also listed as #800746.

44 seat leg rest chair #5491 (StLCC, Lot #1807, 1960) sold in 1969 to GN #1009 to BN #4409 (not applied) to Amtrak #4551 converted in 1981 to HEP #4646 retired and sold in 1994 to AOE (as parts source??). Current status unknown.

44 seat leg rest chair #5494 (StLCC, Lot #1807, 1960) to Amtrak #4557 converted in 1979 to HEP #4606 retired in 2001?? and sold in 2002 to AOE, reconfigured to 8SR-1SB sleeper, and named Charleston (#800754). Repainted for American Railway Explorer as Mesa Verde. Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Current status unknown.

44 seat leg rest chair #5500 (StLCC, Lot #1807, 1960) to Amtrak #4560 converted in 1979 to HEP #4607 stored in 1998?? and sold in 2002 to AOE, reconfigured to 8SR-1SB sleeper, and named Savannah (#800741). Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Current status unknown.

44 seat leg rest chair #5539 (StLCC, Lot #1830, 1965) to Amtrak #4579 converted in 1979 to HEP #4624 retired in 2001?? and sold in 2002 to AOE, reconfigured to 8SR-1SB sleeper, and named Bar Harbor (#800753). Repainted for American Railway Explorer as Great Smoky Mountains. Sold (when??) to Ross Rowland-Greenbrier Express. Current status unknown.

Challenger dome 36 seat coach #7000 (AC&F, Lot #4097, 1954) sold in 1972 to Auto Train #700, reconfigured to 56 seat dome coach. Sold in 1981 to Jonathan Gallucki (Atlanta). Sold in 1999 to Ken Bitten, sold later that year to AOE and stored. Moved to Olympia shops for planned conversion. Current status unknown.

City of Portland dome 46 seat diner #8009 (AC&F, Lot #4098, 1955) sold in 1972 to Auto Train #808. Sold in 1981 to Don Gage (Jamestown, NY). Sold in 1982 to Dixie RR Corporation of Georgia. Sold in 1984 to Frank Dowd (Charlotte). Sold in 1986 to Randy Schlotzhower-Slotsy Tours-Domeliner Tours and named Columbia River (#800031) (Los Angeles). Leased 1995-1998 to BKS Limited for Montana Rockies Daylight. Sold in 1998 to Rail Cruise America Columbia River. Sold in 2005 with other RCA cars to KCS #2005 and renamed Monterey (#800031).

City of Portland dome 37 seat club lounge observation (blunt end) #9006 (AC&F, Lot #4096, 1955) sold in 1972 to Auto Train #905. Sold in 1981 to Ken Nichols-Anbel Corporation (ANBX) #2041. Sold in 1983 to David Rohr-Golden Spike Rail Tours and named Native Son (#800212). Sold in 1998?? to John Kirkwood-Rail Ventures (RVIX) #800212 and renamed Bella Vista. Used on Montana Rockies Daylight in 2001.

City of Portland dome 37 seat club lounge observation (blunt end) #9007 (AC&F, Lot #4096, 1955) sold in 1972 to Auto Train #542. Sold in 1981 to Al Nippert-Gator Rail Tours. Sold in 1982 to White Auto Parts (Kissimee, FL). Sold in 1987 to Northern Rail Car, reconfigured to dome diner lounge observation as WSOR #9007 and named Northern View (#800148). Sold in 2001 to John Kirkwood-Rail Ventures (RVIX) #800148, renamed Glacier Park, and leased to AOE in 2003. Sold in 2004 to Patrick Henry-Creative Charters (WRHX) #800148 and renamed Warren R. Henry.

City of St. Louis dome 37 seat club lounge observation (blunt end) #9011 (AC&F, Lot #4096, 1955) sold in 1972 to Auto Train #543. Sold in 1981 to Ken Nichols-Anbel Corporation (ANBX) #2050 and named Café Bar Ingles. Sold in 1992 to Mark Dees (Santa Paula, CA). Sold in 1993 to Joe Goodel (Buffalo). Sold in 1998 to AOE and stored. Moved to Olympia shops. Sold in 2005 to unknown party* and moved to WSOR. Sold (when??) to Aberdeen, Carolina & Western (ACWR) #200.

*Was the 2005 sale to a private owner or to WSOR??

USAX:

Hospital #89523 (StLCC, Lot #1771, 1952) sold in 1973 to Amtrak and reconfigured to baggage-6 bunk dormitory #1408 converted in 1979 to HEP #1613. Retired and sold in 1994 to AOE and named San Antonio (#800643). Current status unknown.

Sources:

1. "Streamliner Cars Volume One: Pullman Standard" by W. David Randall (RPC Publications, 1981)

2. "Streamliner Cars Volume Two: The Budd Company" by W. David Randall (RPC Publications, 1981)

3. "Streamliner Cars Volume Three: ACF - Other Builders" by W. David Randall (RPC Publications, 1982)

4. Tom Madden's Pullman Project CCR database: http://pullmanproject.com/Database.htm

5. Phil Dohmen's dome car website: http://www.trainweb.org/web_lurker/WebLurkersDOMEmain/

6. Don Strack's UP passenger car roster pages: http://utahrails.net/pass/pass-index.php

7. Burlington Route Historical Society's lightweight passenger car roster: http://www.burlingtonroute.com/docs/rosters/stainlessnumber.html

8. Stan Garner's #800xxx-series PV list: http://www.movie-trains.com/pvlist.html

9. Mike Palmieri's Amtrak rosters

10. Jerry LaBoda's photo links website: http://passcarphotos.info/

11. "Amtrak by the Numbers" by David C. Warner and Elbert Simon (White River Productions, 2011)

Just AOE or also Grandluxe?

I can, with a bit of research, give you a list of all the cars in the Grandluxe's final consist, if that's of any use and if you don't already have it.

Bob--

Both AOE and Grandluxe through to the 2008 shutdown and sale of cars to Xanterra.

A copy of the final consist would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

Well, I can tell you that Norfolk Southern has acquired two former AOE cars that were to have been used on the Greenbrier train that are to be overhauled and placed into executive car service. Both of these cars are 8 Grand Suites - 1 SB sleepers.

AOE 800741 Savannah will become NS 14 Missouri when its work is finished (this car is at Altoona shops) while AOE 800740 Denver is to become NS 15 (no name assigned as of yet) and not yet taken to Altoona.

Thanks, Jerry, for the info on Denver and Savannah!

Rainer and forum

Placid Bay was purchased by / for the Kansas City Southern as a two part transaction I recall including the IC Baton Rouge ( from memory ) ... The Baton Rouge was rebuilt into an executive sleeper now carrying a name San Luis Potosi...( was converted into 5 bedroom sleeper from original 11 bedroom sleeper ) The decision to rebuild the Baton Rouge versus the Placid Bay was based upon condition, and the fact that the Placid Bay was an aluminum skin car and decomposing badly.

Today the Placid Bay sits in Metairie La, owned by the KCS with no plans for its future return to service due to poor condition.


Dean Levin

Thanks, Dean, for the info on and pictures of UP #1501 Placid Bay!

The UP had an interesting preference for aluminum. I wonder what measures UP has taken with their executive fleet to counteract the electrolysis. Side sheet replacement?

Anyways, regarding KCS and 11DB sleepers, besides the Placid Bay and IC #3500 Baton Rouge (1st), they also acquired IC #3505 Brookhaven.

Both IC cars were built in 1953 by P-S in Lot #6913 to Plan #4168A.

IC #3500 Baton Rouge (1st) was sold in 1971 to William Langhoff (Glen Ellen, IL), and later went to a private owner (#800319). It was initially acquired by KCS as #3001 and is now #1810.

IC #3505 Brookhaven was sold in 1970 to Finlay Fun Time Tours #7 Julia Harvey Redfield (#800107), and was initially acquired by KCS as #70 and is now #1970 with the name Baton Rouge (2nd), with one bedroom replaced with a shower.

Of course, when Iowa Pacific acquired AOE (ex-SAL) 11DB sleeper Tallahassee, they changed the name to Baton Rouge (3rd).

Sources:

1. "Streamliner Cars Volume One: Pullman Standard" by W. David Randall (RPC Publications, 1981)

2. IC passenger car roster pages: http://icrr.net/passenger.htm

Rainier

One quick current clarification... The IC Brookhaven, KCS Baton Rouge has been renamed and been sent to KCS Mexico... This was done in anticipation of the KCS having an executive sleeper built to replace this car. This was done to increase sleeping capacity on the mini business car train in Mexico...


Dean Levin

Thanks, Dean, for the info!

So was the plan for another executive sleeper cancelled, or has a car been acquired for conversion?

GN 9410 is running on TVRM's Hiwassee River Rail Adventure trips based near Etowah, Tennessee.
http://tvrail.com/pages/hiwassee-premium-service

Thanks, Steve, for the info!

Grandluxe consist on 9/8/2008, shortly after last run.

This is as parked in Tacoma, not sure if any changes were made between the final run and spotting. I don't think so, but I cannot guarantee it.

Los Angeles
Yellowstone Park
Grand Canyon
Monterey
Vienna
Monte Carlo
Bar Harbor
Santa Fe
Charleston
Seattle
Chicago
Zurich
Great Dome, pretty sure it's Copper Canyon, but hard to read...
Portland
Washington
Denver
Paris
Montreal
Savannah
New York (Round End Obs)

These are posted in order as far as I can tell, though there may be some confusion on the position of Washington and Denver, my photos may be out of sequence at that point.

Quite an impressive looking train, 20 cars in all.

Thanks, Bob, for the info and photo!

I rode on the Grand Canyon Railway in late March and early April, and our car was Great Dome 8742 FRED HARVEY, ex-AOE NEW ORLEANS. Note that the GCR number was derived from its AMTK number 800742 by omitting the three zeroes!

Parked out by the shop, next to the main line, was a "train" with three MLW units and 13 cars, of which five were former AOE cars:

American Ry Explorer BRYCE CANYON (ex-AOE PORTLAND)

no name primer car stenciled AOEX, probably 800258 WASHINGTON

primer car, stenciled AOEX 800300 CHICAGO

ex-AOE SAN FRANCISCO

primer Great Dome, stenciled AOEX 800743 COPPER CANYON

Here are the rest of the cars:

DRCX/GCRX Budd Dome 7021 (ex-DRGW SILVER COLT)

DRCX/GCRX Budd coach 5203 (ex-SOU 820), lettered ACADIANA

Budd coach lettered AMERICAN SPIRIT

VRE/Caltrain Boise Budd V305

DRCX/GCRX Budd coach 5205 (ex-SOU 821), lettered ACADIANA

Un-numbered GCR diner or lounge (maybe ex-AMTK 3123)

GCR COLORADO RIVER (ex-DRGW SILVER ASPEN)

GCR Boise Budd 403