Train Lengths

[Kevin C. Smith]

On the infrequent occasions I get to travel Amtrak, it's the same train (the CZ) which runs 3 coaches, 3 sleepers a diner and lounge (in addition to baggage car & crew dorm?). I seem to remember the Desert Wind ran the same consist back in the day. Is this a "standard" equipment setup for Amtrak's western trancontinental trains? If not, what is the usual arrangement for, say, the Chief, Empire Builder or the Eagle? Is there a standard consist for traing running from Chicago east?

[KCSfan]

There is no standard consist for all Amtrak trains running from Chicago to the Pacific. The SW Chief, CZ, Empire Builder, Texas Eagle/Sunset all have different consists depending on the patronage on their respective routes. That too may vary depending on the time of year, e.g.. I believe ridership on the Empire Builder is greatest in the summer so it would run with more cars then than in the winter. Some trains might normally carry one sleeper, while others have two or more. I believe that all operate with a diner and at least one dome lounge car with varying numbers of coaches and sleepers.

Mark