A Pullman berth from coast to coast, that was the job of a transcontinental sleeper! Until the 1960's the nation’s railroads operated connecting sleeping car service. A passenger could board a car in New York City, the car would change trains in Chicago and the next day the passenger would step off in San Francisco without ever leaving their room. This was the type of service Silver Rapids was built for and faithfully operated in for almost 20 years. In the late 1960's most transcontinental sleepers were discontinued, Silver Rapids was removed from California Zephyr service and returned to the Pennsylvania Railroad. The PRR eventually sold the car to Amtrak who retired it in the early 1980's and sold it a private owner. After extensive restoration work that included interior and mechanical upgrades, Silver Rapids is one of the most versatile sleeping cars in service. As you enter the car from the vestibule end, you pass by a small galley capable of meal and beverage service (with Jenn-Aire cooktop (currently configured with two sealed burners and a griddle or grille and Utility® commercial refrigerator and freezer). Across the hall is a large shower and the general toilet. A little further down the hall are 8 roomettes which will sleep one person in a bed that folds out of the wall. During the day each roomette has a small sofa, folding wash basin, vanity and large mirror. A quick step to the right takes you down the hall past the six double bedrooms. Each double bedroom sleeps 2 (1-in an upper berth & 1 in a lower berth) and has its own enclosed restroom with folding sink and outlet. These rooms are also equipped with either a long sofa or a short sofa and folding chair for relaxing throughout the day. The six double bedrooms can also open to forming three suites that will sleep up to 4 guests each. Silver Rapids is a fully operational car and is currently Amtrak certified
Some of the mechanical details include: Built by the Budd Company in 1948, stainless construction, seats 22 during the day and sleeps 20 at night, H couplers, 27 pin, MU, Head End Power, rubber diaphragms, APEE bearings, ISSH trucks, disc brakes, good wheels, 26-C brake valves, full heat, air conditioning, freeze protection, Cummins 50 KW diesel generator, E5 electronic decelostats, potable hot water circulating loop, C frame, "B" clearance, water raising compressor, certified for 110 MPH.
Silver Rapids is fully Amtrak certified.
Please note that these cars are being sold as a complete package and not individually. The list price for the four-car trainset is 1,790,000.00, this price includes all linens, china, kitchen equipment and parts/supplies. For more information on each individual car, please use the links below:
