HISTORY: The Sierra Hotel, originally Silver Lounge, was built in 1948 as a mid-train lounge and dormitory car for use on the California Zephyr by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy (CB&Q), and later with the Burlington Northern (BN). It was taken over by Amtrak at its inception and saw service on both the North Coast Hiawatha and Texas Chief. The car began private charter operation in 1980 after being acquired from Amtrak. It then began the transformation into its current configuration as a business car after changing private ownership in 1989. It has been in private and charter use ever since.
UNIQUE FEATURES: What sets this car apart are the upgrades made to enhance the passengers experience. Such as the ability to cool the entire car in the event of failure of one air conditioning unit. An Inverter system to provide lighting in the event of loss of HEP or even the generator. Superb sound system. Incredible inventory of tools, components, parts, devices, etc.
MULTIPLE USES: In this changing Amtrak environment, it is important to remain flexible. Not only can the Sierra Hotel be used on cross country trips but due to its large and flexible kitchen with pass through serving window, the Sierra Hotel can also be used as the basis for a dinner train, food service for day long excursions, snack and beverage service on short trips.
TECHNICAL DETAILS: Amtrak certified and fully operational.
- Excellent stainless body & roof.
- H couplers, roller bearings with decelostats,
- Full Head End Power,
- freeze protection, full floor and OH heat, air conditioning for car body and dome,
- 27 pin, MU, serviceable wheels, track & marker lights,
- Generator - Cummins 4BT 3.9-G2 52 KW Diesel (rebuilt 2018) 460v three phase.
- Belt drive water lifting compressor.
- Two 8 ton air conditioning compressors with unloaders. (one brand new)
- 50 gallon hot water heater. Three toilets. One shower.
- Capacities: 500 Gallon Water, 250 gallon Diesel Fuel. Three Plus days Black Water.
- Structurally Engineered Rear Observation Platform.
LAYOUT:
- Upper level Vista Dome - unobstructed 360 degree viewing. Up to 16 people may comfortably occupy the dome when not in meal service. Dining in dome with normal maximum of 12 diners or 16 by advance arrangement.
- Main level lounge - spacious with seating for 12. Fold out bed for crew or guest.
- Under dome – booth for 4 and stand up bar with serving window into kitchen.
- Kitchen - upgraded and renovated. Improved functionality and increased ability to serve additional guests. All new appliances. Stove with 5 burners, convection oven, and separate grill for pancakes, steaks, grilled sandwiches, etc. Original built in stainless shelving uncovered and restored.
- General toilet and shower.
- Wardrobe closet. (can be converted back into bunk style bedroom)
- 2 Bunk style bedrooms with toilet and wash basin (one currently dismantled but in the process of being restored).
- Master bedroom with queen sized bed, toilet and wash basin.
- General purpose room (if desired can be convertible back into crew room with one lower bed.)
Current guest sleeping accommodations for four guests. However, this can be permanently increased to seven with physical modifications. For daytime use not requiring sleeping arrangements, the maximum number of guests is 20.
