Former Milwaukee Road Skytop sleeping car Coffee Creek is being restored at the Iowa Pacific shop complex in Alamosa after arriving on the property in February. The new internet-based campaign launched on Sept. 18 offers a variety of perks to contributing donors that range from an 8×10 Pullman print by J. Craig Thorpe to an extravagant transcontinental journey by private railcar.
“We’ve already rebuilt the trucks and the shell is in good shape”, Iowa Pacific President Ed Ellis tells Trains News Wire. “We are ready to begin on the interior work and windows.”
Once restored, the Coffee Creek will operate in regular service on the railroad’s Pullman Rail Journeys service between Chicago and New Orleans on Amtrak’s City of New Orleans. The exclusive observation car will feature a galley, expanded lounge area, and private rooms.
Donations in any amount are valued as the railroad looks to restore this historic piece of passenger rail infrastructure. The campaign is open through Nov. 17 and has already generated almost $4,000 in donations since being posted last week.
Donors contributing $100 will receive an 8×10 print of a painting of Pullman lightweight and heavyweight trains arriving in Chicago by J. Craig Thorpe. A contribution of $250 will yield a dinner for two aboard the Coffee Creek in Chicago. Enjoy a Chicago to New Orleans Pullman Rail Journeys round trip in a double bedroom that includes meals and beverages for $1,250 for one and $2,500 for two. A $5,000 contribution includes a Chicago to New Orleans Pullman round-trip for two aboard a Pullman bedroom suite.
Additional luxurious rail travel packages include a Chicago to New Orleans round-trip with exclusive access of Coffee Creek as a private car for up to ten guests. This package, valued at $25,000 includes private dining and lounge service. Departing from Chicago, enjoy exclusive use of Coffee Creek as a private car on a round-trip to San Francisco/Oakland along the rear of Amtrak’s California Zephyr. The trip, which includes all meals and lounge service is valued at $50,000.
And for the ambitious traveler, enjoy the Coffee Creek Pacific Circle trip from Chicago to Seattle on the rear of Amtrak’s Empire Builder, Seattle to Los Angeles via the Coast Starlight, and Los Angeles to Chicago via the Southwest Chief. This extravagant tour highlighting some of America’s most beautiful scenery allows exclusive use of Coffee Creek for guests up to ten. The trip is valued at $100,000.
The sleeper car was built in 1948 for use on Milwaukee Road’s Olympian Hiawatha between Chicago, Minneapolis, and Seattle. The unique observation cars were distinctly known for their glass “Skytop” lounges that allowed panoramic view of passing scenery.
For more information about Coffee Creek, or to make a contribution to the current fundraiser, go to www.indiegogo.com.
