Trains LIVE — Daytime in the dome — 4-19-2023 — In this special episode of Trains LIVE we are talking about an upcoming rail excursion through the Colorado Rockies and California’s Donner Pass. Daytime in the Dome is presented by Lowell Smith and Silver Smith Tours. The excursion features the opportunity to ride aboard a former Milwaukee Road Super Dome — a full-length dome car — during the daytime portions of the trip.
The dome car was the thrill of travelers during the post-World War II streamliner period. While the standard-size dome car provided an elevated, forward- and rear-looking view with around 24 seats, a number of railroads also opted for full-length domes. The Milwaukee Road purchased 10 Super Domes from Pullman-Standard in 1952. The Morning and Afternoon Hiawathas, running between Chicago and the Twin Cities, received for Super Domes. The remaining six Super Domes were assigned to the Olympian Hiawatha.
Currently, Super Dome No. 53 has been preserved by the Friends of the 261. Silver Smith Tours will be providing dome service with this car along the route of Amtrak’s California Zephyr. This excursion is a great way to enjoy the scenery and re-live the glory days of passenger travel.
For details and tickets, contact Lowell Smith at lowellsmith.net/tours.
This is Trains LIVE — Daytime in the dome!
Trains LIVE is a regular video segment, recorded live and unscripted from Kalmbach Media. The series began in July 2022.
Trains LIVE features Bob Lettenberger, Trains associate editor, Kalmbach Media staff, and guests talking about railroads and trains in a casual, behind the scenes format. On Trains LIVE we will ask the questions you would like to ask and take you into places not normally open to the public. Trains LIVE also takes you on the road to museums, trackside locations and other railroad-related venues. It is unscripted and presented every other Wednesday at 2 p.m. Central time.
If you have questions or comments, please log-in and leave a comment in the area at the bottom of the page. We will attempt to answer questions during future episodes. All aboard! It’s time for Trains LIVE!
