Pennsylvania Railroad Private Car on Amtrak's California Zephyr, Ottumwa, IA 5/3/15

On the evening of May 3rd, 2015, I filmed Amtrak's westbound California Zephyr stopping in Ottumwa, Iowa. The consist for this train was the same as the previous day's eastbound (see this video:    • Amtrak's California Zephyr stops at Ottumw...  ), with P42 diesels #207 and #177 on the front, Amtrak Heritage Fleet baggage car #1717 behind them, and the same set of Superliners.

Tonight however, an extra car was on the end of the train, and was a complete surprise. The car is Pennsylvania Railroad #7503, "Francis L. Suter". It was was built in 1914 by Pullman as an office car for Pennsylvania's executives. Remodeled in 1983, the car is now chartered out for those lucky people who can afford true luxury on the rails. According to their website (http://www.privaterail.com), this is the oldest Amtrak-certified private car operating today, and can operate on trains running up to 110 MPH. Quite the life for a 100 year old car!

After filming the private car, I walked up the train to the head end, just in time to set up as an eastbound BNSF coal train passes through, right before Amtrak departs. This train had been stopped at the IC&E RRX for a while due to a signal malfunction, and the dispatcher had to talk them through it. After Amtrak leaves the coal train picks up speed again.

YouTube user A. Train caught Amtrak before their Ottumwa stop as they passed through Agency, Iowa. You can view his video here:
   • Pennsylvania Railroad Private Car on Calif...  

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