Fall foliage enthusiasts loved to hop aboard Amtrak’s Great Dome car on the Adirondack between Albany and Montreal come autumn. Unfortunately, the passenger railroad service has opted to retire the car – and the foliage run. But we may be able to look forward to great foliage views through train windows in the future.
Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams told the Times Union last week that the age and expense of the vintage car was too much to maintain. The Great Dome car was built in 1955 and was originally used by the Great Northern Railway. It was the only remaining car of its kind in Amtrak service.
The car featured a glassed-in upper level that stretched the entire length of the car, for optimal foliage views. The car was part of the Adirondack route that typically ran from late September through early November.
However, leaf peepers may be able to enjoy a similar majestic ride through the Adirondacks in the coming years.
Amtrak spokeswoman Beth Toll indicated to the Times Union that they’re looking into replacing aging locomotives with new equipment and upgrades by the early 2020s. Specifics are still being hammered out, but Amtrak expects the improvements to include larger windows for prime viewing.
Check out five fall foliage drives in the Adirondacks >>
Sources:
- Times Union: Amtrak’s ‘Great Dome’ car has been retired
