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| Royal Gorge acquires ex-Alaska Super Domes https://www.rypn.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=18562 |
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| Author: | Alexander D. Mitchell IV [ Sat Sep 17, 2005 9:23 am ] |
| Post subject: | Royal Gorge acquires ex-Alaska Super Domes |
swiped from TrainOrders.com:FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 15, 2005 Contact: Mark Greksa, 303-569-1022 “Big Domes” to Return to Royal Gorge Tracks Railroad Purchases Three Observation Cars for Colorado Route Canon City, CO – The Royal Gorge Route Railroad announced today that it has purchased three historic full-length observation dome cars from Holland America Line, Inc. for use on its scenic train line which traverses the Royal Gorge. Late last week, officials from the Royal Gorge Route Railroad flew to Anchorage, Alaska and purchased three 1950s dome cars. The cars are in mint condition and will be added to the current Royal Gorge Route train, which already includes a total of 10 passenger, dining and observation cars. The three new cars will lengthen the train to over a quarter mile. “This is an exciting time for our railroad as cars like these are difficult to come by. Train passengers will have the opportunity to experience the Royal Gorge with unobstructed views in beautifully appointed, glass-topped cars designed for maximum comfort,” said Mark Greksa, co-owner and CEO of the Royal Gorge Railroad. “The elevated seating and all that glass truly captures the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of the Gorge.” The new dome cars will travel from Anchorage to Seattle by ship and will continue the rest of their journey by rail. The cars are expected to arrive in Canon City by mid October and will be available for passengers on the train in early November. Passengers first enjoyed dome car service through the Royal Gorge in 1947 but all passenger service ended in 1967, returning after a 32-year absence in May of 1999 as the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. In the 1950s, dome cars were introduced to provide passengers incomparable views never before experienced by train. At the time, two companies were building these famous dome cars: Pullman Standard and Budd. The cars purchased by the Royal Gorge Route Railroad are two Pullman Domes and one Budd Dome. The cars were previously used by Holland America on the Alaskan Railroad. The new dome cars will be offered to passengers who wish to purchase or upgrade to “Observation Dome Class” and will also be used on the popular three-course gourmet lunch and four-course dinner and murder mystery trains. Both lunch and dinner capacity will increase from 172 to 290 per seating. The train can currently carry 550 passengers per trip. These new cars will increase that to 670. For more information on the historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad, including departure times, high resolution photos, and a history of the area, visit the website at www.royalgorgeroute.com. For information and reservations, call: 1.888.RAILS.4U or 303.569.1000. *End press release*Reports are that the vintage Westtours/Holland America fleet is being retired/sold in favor of the new Colorado Railcar "Ultradomes". Nine Santa Fe and one GN Super Domes supposedly remain for sale.Other sources at TrainOrders have IDed the cars sold to Royal Gorge as:ATSF 507 MILW 50 later CN/Via "Jasper" Acq by CN 1965 MILW 56 later x CN/Via "Fraser"Royal Gorge also supposedly has a former ex-SP 3/4 dome, ex-SP 3605, now CRRX 9374, supposedly not in the best of condition currently. |
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