Hop
Aboard
the Great
Dome Car
This fall, Amtrak’s vintage
window-ceilinged car offers
travelers a chance to enjoy the
changing foliage.
Amtrak.com
D
During autumn, the Great Dome Car offers a unique way to travel on the
Adirondack line between Albany and Montréal. With windows on all sides and a
clear ceiling, this vintage car offers panoramic views of the changing foliage, the
landscape of Lake Champlain, the autumn skies and wildlife.
Dome cars were once an annual tradition, but today the Great Dome Car,
officially known as Car No. 10031, is the only remaining one of its kind in
Amtrak’s service. Built in 1955 by the Budd Company for the Great Northern
Railway, it was originally numbered 1391 and named “Ocean View.” Amtrak took
ownership of the car in 1971, renumbering it 9361.
Following extensive renovations in 1985, the car was renumbered as 9300 and
used in daily service on the Amtrak Auto Train through 1994. In 1999, the car was
further refurbished and renumbered again to 10031. Since then, the Great Dome
Car has been used in various Amtrak services across the country, including the
Pacific Surfliners and several charters and excursions.
To provide an even richer experience on the Great Dome Car, volunteers from
the National Park Service’s Trails & Rails program are aboard select trips to offer
commentary on the passing scenery.
Joe Lalumia, who coordinates the 45 Trails & Rails volunteers for the Adirondack
and Maple Leaf lines, says there are at least two volunteers on each trip to share
information on geographical points of interest, history, nature and wildlife (which
can include bald eagles)—as well as the train itself. But sometimes, he notes, the
views speak for themselves, especially along the cliffs on the northern end.
There is no additional charge for the Great Dome Car, which will run on the
Adirondack line from September 28 to October 29, 2017. For more information on
the Great Dome Car, visit Amtrak.com.
New York By Rail | 57