Silver Chalet....a one of a kind car that is ideal for corporate or personal use!
Built by the Budd Company in 1948 as a dome/buffet/lounge/dormitory car for the Western Pacific Railroad. The Silver Chalet was the Western Pacific's contribution to the world famous California Zephyr that operated daily between Chicago and San Francisco, it operated on the last run of the train in March of 1970. Ownership of the car transferred to the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad (by then part of the Burlington Northern Railroad) as part of a settlement for a sister car owned by the CB&Q that was damaged. Eventually the car was sold to Amtrak and was renumbered to #9812 but it retained the same name under Amtrak ownership. When Amtrak retired the car in the early 1980's it passed through a series of private owners until the current owner purchased the car in 1987. After purchase, the car underwent an extensive rebuilding which included the addition of a highly unique custom round end observation platform that turned the car into the worlds only rounded end open platform dome observation car. The primary purpose for the rebuilding of the car was for corporate entertaining. Silver Chalet is a stunning example of thinking outside the box to create an unforgettable travel experience.
As you board the Silver Chalet you climb up the stainless steel steps to a one of a kind 6' deep round ended observation platform. Custom built stainless steel rails prevent guests from accidentally falling from the car while conforming to the curvature of the stainless roof overhead. From the observation platform you enter into a 35' long mahogany and stainless steel paneled lounge. Equipped with overstuffed leather chairs and convenient drink stands, the rear view from this room is incredible! Towards the back of the lounge is a cozy cocktail area and a full bar equipped with built in refrigeration, stainless sink & ice well. Behind the bar is a full entertainment center that controls music throughout and the video cameras that monitor the lounge, dome and forward and rear view from the car. Next to the bar is a graceful curved set of steps that take you up to the Vista Dome (19.5' x 9') which serves as the cars dining room and additional lounge area, all under 30 panes of glass. The Vista Dome will seat 16 passengers at booth style seats for meal service and an additional 6 passengers in a curved sofa cocktail area. Ample storage is available with built in storage lockers under the seats and custom window shades slide down the curved dome glass. The Vista Dome, like the rest of this car is fully climate controlled with it own separate air conditioning system and electric floor and overhead heat systems. If you take the steps back down to the main level and turn right you enter the hallway that will take you to the other end of the car. As you turn the corner you will pass a wall of stainless cabinets on the right. The top cabinet is dish/food service equipment storage and it is accessible from both the hall and kitchen. As dishes are washed they can be placed in this cabinet from the kitchen side and then removed from the hall side as needed, this eliminates excess traffic in the kitchen. Below the dish cabinet is the serving counter warmed with a commercial food warmer, as meals are plated they can be placed here to keep warm until the wait staff can deliver them to the table, again keeping kitchen traffic to a minimum. Below the serving counter is additional storage space accessible from both the kitchen and hall as well. A few steps down the hall takes you past the exterior service door on the left to load supplies directly into the kitchen and then a quick turn to the right takes you into the full stainless kitchen (11'x 6.8') . Much thought and planning went into laying out this kitchen for maximum productivity, it is equipped with a coffee station, wine cooler, Jackson commercial short cycle dish washer, custom stainless steel sinks, Vulcan electric 6 burner range and oven, commercial grade exhaust hood, Traulsen commercial refrigerator and freezer (condensing unit under car), commercial microwave and a folding counter that opens across entrance to kitchen to provide more counter space while serving. If you exit the kitchen and turn right down the hall next to the kitchen is a small storage closet for kitchen and cleaning supplies. Next to the closet is a coat room and lower restroom, the coat room (4.5' x 3.9') features a wide coat rack and shelf. Directly across from the coat rack is a custom built stainless steel marble topped wall table with a beautiful mirror and wall sconces above it. To the back of the coat room is the door to the lower restroom (5.9' x 2.79') with ceramic tile and custom stainless marble topped sink and a Mirophor toilet. As you exit the coat room and turn right, just a short distance down the hall is the luxurious master suite (10' x 6.'). Like the rest of the car, a high degree of thought went into the layout of this room. During the day it provides a small conference room or additional lounge/dining space and at night a queen size bed folds out of the wall to provide a restful night sleep. The master suite is also equipped with a sound system, personal TV, closet and dresser with mirror. In addition there is full stainless master bath (6' x 4') with marble topped sink, large shower and Microphor toilet. When you leave the master suite and turn right and go down the hall to the end of the car and turn right again and to your left is the door to exit the car, in front of you is the electrical locker and to the right is another stainless restroom (6' x 4') with a custom marble topped sink.
Silver Chalet 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 "C" clearance, 2- Cummins 4 cylinder turbo 65 KW diesel generators w/roll out arms (#1-2,456 hours - #2-1,449 hours and not currently serviceable), 2 - 10 ton R-22 air conditioning systems (1 for dome, 1 for car body), C-frame disc brakes, 26-C valves (current COT&S), decelostats (car was receiving a COT&S when photos were taken so some decelostats and brake valves were missing), serviceable wheels, ISSH trucks, full Head End Power, 27 Pin & MU lines, H couplers, marker lights, emergency lights, track lights, great body and roof, 175 gal fuel tank, freeze protection, APEE bearings, observation end video camera, full car sound system (speakers also on platform), GSI Trucks, Microphor processing tank (has freeze protection), 480v/240v/110v electrical system, rubber diaphragms, electric base board & over head heat, water raising compressor, electronically controlled interior lighting, emergency windows, current PC-1 inspection, new dome glass in 2013, digital TV antennae, 100 gal hot water tank, 500 gal potable water tank, inter-car telephone system and a professionally designed interior.
Silver Chalet is a truly a one of a kind car, mixing design elements from the 1950's with the luxuries of a corporate entertaining space. Ideal for personal use or for corporate functions, don't miss out on the opportunity to own this one of a kind car. For more information on this stunning car please contact our office at 417-336-2401.
