Does Via have any office cars like Beech Grove?

Amtrak has a few company-service cars for executive and corporate use such as Beech Grove, Pacific Command, and Corridor Clipper. I've never seen such for Via - are there any cars used mostly or only for corporate service? I seem to recall some Tempo cars diverted for use by the PM, but I've only seen old grainy photos which leads me to believe they're no longer in VIP service.

CN has business cars, but not sure if any of those dedicated for VIA usage. CN#96 and 15006 perhaps?

CarterB wrote:CN has business cars, but not sure if any of those dedicated for VIA usage. CN#96 and 15006 perhaps?

What do CN's business cars have to do with VIA? They're separate corporations.

No, VIA does not have any corporate business cars like Amtrak does. The closest thing would be the Glenfraser lounge car or the Pavilion observation car. Both were purchased from BC Rail in 2002. While Glenfraser has been used for several private charters and some public trips, I don't believe Pavilion has ever been used in service under VIA's ownership.

The "did you know" on Glenfraser was obviously not written by someone who knows railroads...

"Did you know?

-Wine and cheese tastings frequently take place in this lounge car.
-The Glenfraser car also includes a casino, with a professional croupier on hand to share tips.
-When it was first acquired by VIA Rail, the Glenfraser car was not equipped for winter travel. In 2006, VIA insulated the car to make it suitable for travel all year long.
-This lounge car was originally built as coach 5585 in 1954. After having changed hands several times, it was purchased by VIA Rail from BC Rail in 2002. BC Rail converted it into a lounge car and dubbed it “Glenfraser”. The name, however, does not actually appear on the side of the car."

Really, owned by BCR but not insulated or equipped for winter? A casino? Maybe a card table. And how do wine and cheese tastings take place frequently if it's rarely used?

Tadman wrote: I seem to recall some Tempo cars diverted for use by the PM, but I've only seen old grainy photos which leads me to believe they're no longer in VIP service.

Yes, very similar to the Tempos. These were the Vice Regal cars originally acquired by the Government in the late ‘60s for the Governor General’s use or when the Queen came to town.

Here they are at Ottawa in January 1979. One was eventually sold to a private individual and the other might still be sitting at the MMC in Montreal.

Tadman wrote:The "did you know" on Glenfraser was obviously not written by someone who knows railroads...

"Did you know?

-Wine and cheese tastings frequently take place in this lounge car.
-The Glenfraser car also includes a casino, with a professional croupier on hand to share tips.
-When it was first acquired by VIA Rail, the Glenfraser car was not equipped for winter travel. In 2006, VIA insulated the car to make it suitable for travel all year long.
-This lounge car was originally built as coach 5585 in 1954. After having changed hands several times, it was purchased by VIA Rail from BC Rail in 2002. BC Rail converted it into a lounge car and dubbed it “Glenfraser”. The name, however, does not actually appear on the side of the car."

Really, owned by BCR but not insulated or equipped for winter? A casino? Maybe a card table. And how do wine and cheese tastings take place frequently if it's rarely used?

A few years ago VIA ran an extra train from Toronto to and from Niagara Falls during the summer months. I believe it ran five days a week - sorry I can't find a timetable right now - and on week-ends Glenfraser was operated. There were wine and cheese tastings and at least the first year the wine and cheese was provided by the suppliers in exchange for some limited advertising on board. VIA supplied the attendant to put out the cheese and crackers and to pour the wine. The first time that I got to experience Glenfraser, it was more than a wine-tasting. Generous amounts were served - in real glasses as well. The next year (or perhaps the third year) there was a gambling table, for demonstration only, and the croupier was supplied by one of the Niagara Falls casinos. This was before GO Transit started running week-end trains. Sadly the operation of Glenfraser and the extra train were cancelled and, as we know, the situation for VIA trains on this route (and others) has gotten worse.

I would say the Glenfraser rarely gets service these days. VIA should consider it as a lounge on perhaps their northern Quebec routes or even the Chaleur (train to Gaspe) if the Skyline Dome car is not a regular (as it should be).

Interesting, would that Tempo observation be the Scottish Thistle now, painted in CN green? I always thought that car looked a bit boxier than your standard streamlined cars.

Tadman wrote:Interesting, would that Tempo observation be the Scottish Thistle now, painted in CN green? I always thought that car looked a bit boxier than your standard streamlined cars.

No, Scottish Thistle is a former CN Business Car built by National Steel Car in 1959 and fitted out in the Pointe St. Charles Shops. Scroll down here about 3/4:

http://www.canadianrailwayobservations. ... b11via.htm