Silver Solarium
Built in 1948 by the Budd Manufacturing Company for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Silver Solarium was one of six dome/sleeper/observation cars specifically built for the California Zephyr. Operating between Chicago and San Francisco for over 20 years, the car provided an elegant end to an elegant train. In 1970 ownership of the car transferred to Amtrak and the car was finally retired in 1980. Put in storage by Amtrak, time and the elements soon took their toll on this once magnificent car. Vandals broke out windows, nature began to reclaim what once belong to her as trees and mushrooms took root in the once elegant lounge. A new life for this once grand car awaited just around the corner when Amtrak sold her to a private owner. Several years later, all new mechanical systems and a lot of elbow grease, the grand lady of the California Zephyr was reborn. Since her rebirth Silver Solarium has been operating as a private car, delighting passengers with stunning views from her Vista Dome and observation lounge.
Silver Solarium's mechanical details include: Fully Amtrak certified, HEP, 55KW Stadco generator, electric heat, hot water circulating heat, 500 gal fresh potable water tank, "C" clearance, APEE bearings, 27 pin, MU, 180-gallon holding tanks, sound system, H couplers, 26-C brake valves, C-frame disk brakes, emergency lights, emergency windows, freeze protection, night capacity 11, day capacity 35, neon CZ drumhead, each room is equipped with a restroom & shower, upgraded electrical locker, excellent body, original lounge furniture, E-5 electronic decelostats, water raising compressor, reupholstered dome seats. Also equipped with a full commercial kitchen with a Lang commercial oven w/half size convection oven (capable of taking 9 half-size (13x19) sheet pans at a time). Surface units include 2 sealed burners, 12x24 hot plate, 6kw (The same ranges are in US nuclear submarines and many commercial fishing boats). And the commercial refrigerator has about 25 cu ft capacity,certified for 110 MPH.
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:
