Train Consists

[PaulWWoodring]

The Chief is an extension of the Capital Ltd west of Chicago, and the Caps' consist the last time I saw it had:

2 GE Genisis locos
1 heritage bag
1 transition crew sleeper
2 sleepers
1 diner
1 sightseer lounge
3 coaches (usually)
and a varying number of MHC's and other express cars.

The twilight Shoreliner usually has:

1 AEM-7 or 1 Genisis diesel
2 or 3 60 seat Amfleet II coaches
1 business class car
1 Amcafe for coach passengers
1 Amdinette/lounge
1 Viewliner Sleeper
and usually no trailing baggage or express cars

Auto Train can run up to 48 total cars, 19 of which are passenger cars (HEP limit). Although I see it often, I can only give an approx. consist.

2 Genisis diesels (either P40 or P42, sometimes one of each).
1 coach class diner
3 coaches
another diner
3 coaches
another diner
1 lounge car
a couple of sleepers
the first class diner
then 3 or 4 more sleepers (one of which is usually an all deluxe bedroom car, either the W. Graham Claytor, or the A. Phillip Randolph)
8 or 10 tri-level racks, then
7 or 8 bi-levels

I can tell you that the sleepers are always on the North end of the train, and the auto racks are always on the rear.

Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Gary -

The Walthers on-line newsletter, vol 1, no 1, (www.walthers.com) lists the consists for the Empire Builder (and I think the autotrain in a later newsletter).

It doesn't give the Chief, but does give the City of New Orleins.

When the Zephyr wrecked in Iowa, the consist was:

2locos (P42s)
1 MHC
1 Budd baggage
1 transition dorm
3 coach
1 lounge
1 diner
2 sleepers
4 express box cars
and 1 roadrailer

with one other car "in transit" (I didn't write down what it was - well, I did, but can't read my writing !), for a total of 16 cars.

I assume (and you know what "assume" means !) that the Chief is simular.

Hope this helps!

- George

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have the following information on these Amtrak trains?
Auto Train - how many coaches, sleepers, diners, lounge, 3-level auto racks, 2-level auto racks, etc.
Lake Shore Limited - how many of what type of cars?
Southwest Chief - how many cars of what type?
Empire Builder - how many cars of what type?
Coast Starlight - how many cars of what type?
Siler Palm - how many cars of what type?
Twilight Shoreliner - how many cars of what type?