“"We are waiting for a few parts that have to be cast. We had a few leaks. So before the FRA comes out to inspect it, we want to make sure we are 100% confident that it will pass. We want to be running this summer and we think we can."”

If it hasn’t passed FRA it’s not “fully operational” yet.

Glad they were able to have a meeting in their fancy new dome car.

If it hasn’t passed FRA it’s not “fully operational” yet.

Glad they were able to have a meeting in their fancy new dome car.

Operational, and In Service are two different things. The locomotive was operational at New Years. It cannot pull trains until it is cleared to be put in service, which requires a FRA inspection and subsequent forms.

And yes, they appear to have a Dome Car that may possibly be pulled behind 1309. It wouldn't be the first one pulled behind a steamer in excursion service.

I’ve ridden in many dome cars behind steam, that wasn’t the point. The point was how they are choosing to spend their money

I wouldn't pile on them for cost surprises with 1309, those were expected (though letting someone make off with the brasses was not). But picking up the dome car seems tone deaf on the part of an entity that claims to be unable to afford ties. Edit: The IP trustee values a similar car at $1M, even if leased that would buy a lot of ties.

According to the owner of the dome car, it is on lease to the WMSR, not purchased by the railroad. Given the sheer surplus of private varnish and passenger equipment on the market and the poor operating climate over Amtrak routes, I'd have to assume that lessors might be seeking any revenue stream possible for viable equipment. Given that, it makes me curious how much of an economic burden this dome car is for WMSR, if any?

I’ve ridden in many dome cars behind steam, that wasn’t the point. The point was how they are choosing to spend their money.

My definition of fully operational is different than others apparently. That’s fine.

WMSR want to improve their product with both motive power and rail car enhancements. And about the only thing that half the posters in this thread want to do is dump crap on them.

Shame Shame Shame

WMSR want to improve their product with both motive power and rail car enhancements. And about the only thing that half the posters in this thread want to do is dump crap on them.

Shame Shame Shame