A one of a kind sleeper, lounge, observation car!
Built by the Budd Company in 1948 as a 10 Roomette and 6 Double Bedroom sleeping car for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. The Silver Shore was part of the CB&Q’s contribution to the world famous “California Zephyr” which operated daily between Chicago and San Francisco. When the CB&Q merged with the Great Northern the car was transferred to the new Burlington Northern Railroad and was renumbered to #424 but retained the name Silver Shore. When the BN ceased intercity passenger service in the early 1970’s Silver Shore was sold to Amtrak and they renumbered the car to #2651 and continued to operate the car under the same car name until its retirement in the 1980’s. After Amtrak’s sale of the car it eventually was purchased by the current owner who completely rebuilt the car into a luxurious sleeper lounge observation car. No detail was overlooked in the rebuilding of the car and its unique observation lounge is a one of a kind. The lounge end of the car was actually extended into the vestibule and tall observation windows were installed on the end of the car and custom built side doors with full length glass which replaced the standard dutch doors. As you walk up the vestibule steps you actually enter directly into the car, this feature added another 4-5 useable feet to the observation lounge making a solarium on the end of the car. When you enter the car from the observation end, you walk up the steps directly into a stylish observation lounge (27.5” x 9) that can double as a conference room or any combination of a dining room/lounge. The solarium end of the car features huge end of car and side windows which offer a panoramic view from the end of the train. At the opposite end of the room is a custom built mahogany serving buffet with ample storage and a built in TV and sound system, to the right of the buffet is the hall that leads to the kitchen, master suite and bedrooms. Much thought was put into the layout of the kitchen to maximize space use and efficiency, it is equipped with a serving counter that is accessible from the hall to eliminate added traffic in the kitchen. This feature aids the wait staff in picking up plated meals from the hall and they also have access to the plate storage cabinet. The full service kitchen (10.5’ x 7’) is capable of preparing any type of meal and is equipped with a Vulcan range and oven, char broiler, custom stainless steel cabinets, Jackson short cycle dishwasher, coffee station, custom built stainless steel sink, Traulsen commercial refrigerator and freezer (condensing unit under car), commercial microwave oven, food warmer over serving counter, plate warmers and additional under counter refrigeration. As you exit the kitchen and proceed down the hall your next stop is the beautiful mahogany paneled master suite. The master suite (9’ x 7’)can double as additional conference or dining space during the day time or at night a comfortable queen size bed folds out of the wall to provide the ultimate in overnight accommodations. In addition there is a closet and master bath equipped with sink, toilet and shower, the master suite also has a viewing window in the hall so guests can look out either side of the car. Next down the hall you will find four standard double bed rooms each equipped with a typical upper and lower berth. These rooms might look like a standard room but they are set up as mini suites sleeping 1-4 passengers per suite. Each suite is set up with one restroom with sink and one shower which was installed in the space of the former second restroom. If you proceed a little further down the hall past the mini suites you will find a full linen locker with enough storage for the car and then end door.
Silver Shore is a fully self-contained car that can operate independently for up to five days at a time or can operate with other consists. The car is built of stainless steel construction and is fully Amtrak certified. The mechanical details on this car include: Amtrak "A" clearance car, mechanically rebuilt in 1990 by Northern Railcar, ISSH, serviceable wheels, decelostats, H couplers, full Head End Power, 27 pin communication line, MU line, track lights, marker lights, excellent body, electric floor and overhead heat, R-22 air conditioning system, rubber diaphragms, T-frame disc brakes with 26-C valves, APEE bearings, 175 gal fuel tank, Microphor processing tank, freeze protection ,water raising compressor, custom made side skirts, Cummins 4 cylinder turbo 65 KW diesel generators w/roll out arms in stainless steel enclosure, 480v/240v/110v electrical system, emergency lights, current PC-1 inspection, electronic lighting control system, new 80 gal hot water tank, 600 gal potable water tank, and a full car sound system.
There is no doubt that Silver Shore is a one of a kind car! This beautiful car is equipped with a highly unique observation lounge that can be set up in multiple configurations, a sleek stainless steel exterior and a floor plan that is adaptable to corporate or private travel. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this one of a kind car. For more information on Silver Shore please contact our office at 417-336-2401.
