| The Most Exclusive Seat on the
Train - Inside our Luxury Parlor Car is a grand tradition of
elegance and extraordinary comforts. Outside is a classic
open-air rear platform allowing for timeless snap shots. The
car also features a private bar serving fine spirits. The
car also features a private bar serving fine spirits. And
service is evident for our special guests of Parlor Class.
Fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juice are provided
throughout the morning. Champagne and appetizers complement
the afternoon journey. The car is air-conditioned for the
warmer months.
Children 10 and under not permitted.
The Chief
This stainless steel Observation Platform Lounge Car was
built in 1947 for use on the Atlantic Coast Line. The car
serviced the route between New York City and Miami. It was
purchased in 1971 and used to service the same route until
it was retired in the early 1980s. The car sat in storage
until it was purchased by a private investor in 1985. The
car was moved to San Antonio, Texas. There it was
refurbished and put into service for the Texas Southern
Dinner Train from 1989 to 1991. This restoration cost
approximately $250,000. In 1991 the car served as the dinner
car on a charter train in Mexico. In 1993 the car was seized
by the Mexican government, and the owner entered a
protracted legal battle to have the car returned. In 1994
the car was returned to the United States border, where it
was picked up by the Union Pacific for delivery to San
Antonio. The car was lost en route to San Antonio and was
found later that year in New Orleans. The car was damaged by
a rear-end collision en route from New Orleans to San
Antonio and the owner put it into storage before selling it
in 1999. The next owner, R.B. Flynn, added the observation
platform on the rear of the car to hide the collision damage
but decided to sell the car before completing the
restoration. His restoration effort reportedly cost $95,000.
Grand Canyon Railway acquired the car in 2002. Restoration
was completed in less than a year and the new Chief was put
into service in October 2002. Total cost of the railway's
restoration effort, including purchase, was $527,000.
Restoration involved gutting the interior of the car and
installing new cherry paneling, carpet and window shades.
The bar area was refurbished, but the original marble bartop
was preserved. A unisex bathroom was added to the car. Also
new air conditioning and heating systems, a storage locker
and a 150-kilowat generator were added. The exterior of the
car was also restored. The stainless steel required
extensive polishing and the paint color scheme was changed
to Grand Canyon Railway colors. New fuel and waste holding
tanks were added as well as a modern water lift system.
Grand Canyon Railway's newest chief car is the railway's
most elegant car. It features luxurious décor, large windows
and an open rear platform from which passengers can enjoy
the passing scenery and fresh air. Luxury Parlor Class is
air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.
Complimentary continental breakfast is served in the
mornings. Appetizers and champagne or sparkling cider in the
afternoon are included in the fare. Attentive, professional
service is provided by an exclusive coach attendant.
Strolling musicians perform en route to the Canyon. Pepsi is
complimentary. The car can be reserved for groups and
special events.
What's the Secret Knock?
Guests in the Parlor Car are free to roam the train. Feel
free to explore all other classes of service. Just be ready
to show your ticket upon your return - passengers in other
classes are not allowed in this exclusive car.
Comfort Abounds
The seating arrangement in Parlor Class allows people to
either relax in an L-shaped seating configuration or stroll
around. The seating is plush couch-style
Belly Up
The car features its own private bar and is fully stocked
with premium spirits.
The Santa Fe Car
The Santa Fe was built for service in 1948 for the
Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad. The 56-seat coach was
considered the lap of luxury, providing patrons of the M&St.L
Railroad with modern and comfortable service. One notable
difference of the Santa Fe is a small emergency exit door at
the front of the car. This addition was the result of M&St.L
Railroad installing kerosene heaters to help keep its
passengers warm during the bitter Midwest winters. The Santa
Fe was acquired in 1956 by the Rock Island Lines where it
served until the very end of the Rock’s passenger service in
1978. After nearly 10 years in storage, the Santa Fe was
sold to Roaring Fork Railroad and was remodeled as a luxury
parlor lounge. In 1994 it was leased to Copper Canyon Tours,
then leased again in 2002 to the Acadian Railroad. Grand
Canyon Railway became the proud owner in 2004.
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