CarterB wrote:Sorry 'bout that, Sandy.
So what's the deal with the Mountain View? Anyone know?
MOUNTAIN VIEW is owned by Pullman Classics Limited, managed by Al and Lucille Siebold. The late David Ross was also a major stockholder and driving force in the company. Coincidentally, both Mr & Mrs Siebold work for M&E Railway!
MOUNTAIN VIEW was an Amtrak certified private car until the year (1995 ?) that Amtrak discontinued the Broadway Limited. Some unresolved Amtrak inspection issues, which could have been resolved if only there had been some more time available to work the issues, prevented MOUNTAIN VIEW from operating on the rear of the last westbound Broadway Limited from New York to Chicago. MOUNTAIN VIEW should have been there on the rear of Amtrak # 41, to sail past PRR 120 PENNSYLVANIA on the rear of the last eastbound Broadway Limited, in the dark hours of the night somewhere in eastern Ohio or western Pennsylvania.
I believe a substantial investment of new $$$$$ would be necessary for MOUNTAIN VIEW to be recertified on Amtrak and restored to better material condition and cosmetic appearance. That could happen, but it may not happen.
In my opinion, it would be more appropriate for the URHS of New Jersey to have MOUNTAIN VIEW, rather than that New York Central car (HICKORY CREEK), as their flagship. After all, MOUNTAIN VIEW traversed New Jersey regularly on The Broadway Limited, wheras HICKORY CREEK passengers only looked out their windows across the Hudson River to the Palisades of New Jersey.