PASSENGER CAR BUILDERS

[cnw1995]

Whilst I am a huge fan of the Pullman-Standard bi-levels - now rapidly disappearing from Metra, I like the newest not-quite-classic Shanyo-Nippon combinations; they seem to be built modularly overseas and put together in Milwaukee...Huge windows, overstuffed seats (smaller, but less leg room) comfortable HVAC, stainless steel sides, all the ADA stuff...

[Anonymous]

What little experience I have had leads me to prefer Budd cars. Check the auctions and sales and the Budd cars bring more. Our historic demonstration railroad was interested in a former Frisco diner built by P-S but after I really checked it out, the combination of Cor Ten steel construction with stainless steel and other metals caused a galvanic reaction similar to what happens in a auto battery. The rust was coming out everywhere-the last thing our rr needs is another fixerupper. It's a good thing that someone else outbid us!

[siberianmo]

No doubt in my mind - BUDD is (was) my favorite passenger car manufacturer. I have had the pleasure of traveling in Canada many, many times aboard those trains (The Canadian - round trips between Toronto and Vancouver - The Ocean - round trips between Montreal and Halifax - The Bras d'Or - between Halifax and Sydney, and VIA1 Corridor trains between various destinations. Also, BUDD RDC's - round trips between North Vancouver and Liloeet.) Each and every time I have been fortunate enough to wind up in a BUDD made car, I immediately can "feel" the quality built in to those cars. Canada has done a great job in refurbishing them and fans of BUDD should not forget that if not for Canada's railroads (now reduced to VIA Rail), those great cars would be largely gone from the railroad scene; probably only seen on excursions and the like.

The bedroom accommodations are varied and I have experience with the single, double and triple (drawing room) bedrooms. Only once did a malfunction cause a change of rooms (no hot water). Can't blame that on BUDD (RIP!).

The most favorite car for me is the Observation Dome - referred to by the CP, CP Rail and VIA Rail folks as the Park Car. What a great place to view the world passing by. I have lucked out a few times in getting my bedroom in that car. In fact, my wife and I traveled two complete round trips on the Canadian in the drawing room. What a great experience!

Go VIA Rail and keep those beauty's rolling.

Siberianmo

[Anonymous]

I like Budd the most, then Pullman is second. My least favorite is ALSTOM. The cars they built for NJT will never win the "best equipment of the year" award.

[CSXrules4eva]

Even though I like in Philadelphia I didn't vote for the Budd Car Co. I voted for Pullman. This is so becuase I think the design and elagance of the cars built by Pullman was excellent. When you boarded one of the cars it felt like you were in your own relaxed little world. At least that is what I thought.

[coalminer3]

Budd

Also, some roads blt. their own cars. Milwaukee Road comes to mind - they surely did have some unique equipment.

work safe

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

Another vote for Budd. The longevity of stainless steel cars is incredible. Metra currently operates Budd-built bi-levels on BNSF that were built for CB&Q in 1950. Pullman-Standard cars built for C&NW in 1955 have been retired.

[Anonymous]

As I recall, the 1947 version of the 20th Century Limited started out as pure Pullman. Budd cars began running on it in the 50's.Was on a Pullman Diner in the early 50's and could see where they were already rusting because of their design as compared to Budd.

[espeefoamer]

Budd built some of the most beautiful trains.For example the California Zephyr,Canadian, and the high level El Capitan.I prefer the Budd roomettes over P-S design. I think they are a bit nicer inside.Budd cars also seem to last practically forever.

[passengerfan]

Budd cars were more expensive initially but the stainless steel construction used by Budd soon proved to be the best of the construction methods. Aluminum had its problem where it joined othe metals particularly in wet damp climates and the Corten Steel used by Pullman Standard with corrugated stainless steel panels attached cost the SP and other railroads millions in rebuilding costs. Here it is 2005 and Budd cars built in the 1950's and used daily in Canada on Via Rail look just as good as when they were new.

[Anonymous]

I love the Budd Co. I guess that I live in Philadelphia and saw alot of Budd cars. From Pullman to subway cars. I just love them all