Eric Anderson of the Times Union has written a great article about the eighteen amazing private rail cars that were present at the Albany-Rensselaer train station on September 13th. Click HERE for a link to that piece.
The owners of those cars are all members of the American Association of Private Rail Car Owners (AAPRCO). The purpose of this gathering was to join the cars together to form a special train called “The Green Mountain Flyer”. The train then headed on a multi-day journey to Burlington, Vermont where AAPRCO’s 40th convention was being held.
Last year Robert and I had met up with this wonderful group in Missoula, Montana as it was on its way to its convention in Spokane, Washington. Click HERE to read about our unique adventure.
On September 13th of this year, Robert and I were invited as well to visit some of these beautiful cars including the Dearing, a Pullman built in 1925…
and the Berlin, which was formerly owned by the American Orient Express.
So yes, these private rail cars are owned by enthusiasts who range from many different walks of life. But having this one-of-a-kind experience is not as exclusive as you might imagine. Many of these car owners schedule trips and can even organize an excursion specific to your desired destination.
Prices can vary based upon several factors including how far you wish to go, how many stops you wish to make, how many people you wish to take with you, and how elaborate you wish your meals to be served.
The AAPRCO website mentions several trips that members are offering:
The New River Train Excursions (October 21, 22, 28 and 29)
The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society is proud to present the world-renowned New River Train excursions through the beautiful New River Gorge in southern West Virginia. As one of the newest national parklands, the “Grand Canyon of the East” along the New River is majestic and breathtaking in fall colors in mid to late October. It is during this …
The 2017 Steel City Limited (November 3rd – 5th)
Luxury Rail Travel is offering a trip from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and return onboard the private cars ALEXANDER HAMILTON and PASSAIC RIVER on the weekend of Friday November 3rd thru Sunday November 5th, 2017. Please see this document for full details, fares and reservation information.
WASHINGTON DC or HUNTINGTON WV to CHICAGO NOVEMBER 1-2, 2017 Are you interested in going to Chicago for the National Association of Railroad Passengers annual convention, or to enjoy the Windy City’s many other attractions? The DEARING will depart Huntington WV on the Cardinal (Amtrak train 51) Wednesday Nov. 1 at 9:30 pm, arriving Chicago Nov. 2 at 10:00 am. …
DEARING Chicago to Washington or Huntington (November 6-8th)
CHICAGO to WASHINGTON DC or HUNTINGTON WV NOVEMBER 6-8, 2017 Leave Chicago for Washington DC on the Capitol Limited (Amtrak train 30) Monday, November 6 at 6:45 pm and arrive in Washington DC Tuesday November 7 at 1:05 pm, or continue to Huntington WV on November 8 on the Cardinal (Amtrak train 50). There will be 3 rooms available: 1 …
11/04/2017: NATIONAL FORUM + SILVER SPLENDOR
The Pacific Railroad Society will operate a trip on the Historic Santa Fe Surf Line from Los Angeles to San Diego and return on Saturday, November 4, 2017. Private cars NATIONAL FORUM (Pullman 1956 UP 6 roomette – 4 double bedroom – 6 section sleeper) and SILVER SPLENDOR (Budd 1956 CB&Q Denver Zephyr dome coach) will be the equipment. Please …
COLONIAL CRAFTS Positioning Moves (October 15/16th)
With a positioning move of the COLONIAL CRAFTS you can have a true Pennsylvania Railroad era experience. These two positioning moves offer a ride on a 1949 Pullman built PRR COLONIAL series sleeper-lounge car on the Northeast Corridor between Philadelphia 30th Street Station and New York Penn Station, one night accommodation at the Hotel Pennsylvania and return to Philly onboard …
To learn more click HERE. Let us know if you schedule a trip!
Travel Gal Kim Swidler 