So this is a rather novel approach I thought. Have the dining car be full length of the car serving adjoining table cars. You could still use the table cars on revenue service that was too short to support the dining car service by just removing the kitchen car. Note though on this train it does not seem the passengers can walk around the kitchen which gives them more space in the kitchen but also limits passenger mobility when it is used in a consist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IreQpxVyJ70
CMStPnPSo this is a rather novel approach I thought. Have the dining car be full length of the car serving adjoining table cars. You could still use the table cars on revenue service that was too short to support the dining car service by just removing the kitchen car. Note though on this train it does not seem the passengers can walk around the kitchen which gives them more space in the kitchen but also limits passenger mobility when it is used in a consist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IreQpxVyJ70
The Dinner Train operation does not translate into a through train diner operation. It is in operation for one specific purpose, present a railroad dining experience and make money doing it.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
We still have a couple dinner trains here in Michigan, same format. I last rode the Michigan Star CLipper, and the dining car was well restored. I appreciated the attention to detail. The silverware pattern matched the backs of the chairs.
The only example of a full-width kitchen of which I am aware was on one of the prewar UP Streamliners, not sure which one. The floor plan was included in Wayner's "Car Names, Numbers & Consists" and included the comment that it kept the coach and sleeping car passengers separate.
CSSHEGEWISCH The only example of a full-width kitchen of which I am aware was on one of the prewar UP Streamliners, not sure which one. The floor plan was included in Wayner's "Car Names, Numbers & Consists" and included the comment that it kept the coach and sleeping car passengers separate.
Johnny
One year for my birthday, maybe 15 or more years ago (when dinner on this train was affordable!), my wife and I rode it from Bardstown, Ky. (We live in nearby Louisville.) It was a delightful experience. Today's $25 steaks on Amtrak (for coach passengers) don't seem quite as overpriced as they are by comparison!
IIRC the Michigan Star Clipper last ran in 2008.
This is an intrastate train, so it might not be governed by FDA rules. I'm not sure whether the FDA would approve of a full-width kitchen on a single level car. The conductor and possibly other non-food-service crew members might have to pass through the kitchen in order to access the opposite end of the train. I can imagine an FDA representative disliking this, but it might not be a deal-breaker. I'm just not sure.
Tom
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