Considering that first the Joplin and now the Mendon derailment incidents that resulted in overturned cars, I must wonder if Amtrak will be withdrawing Sightseer Lounge cars from the Superliner consists.
One of the Joplin fatalities occurred in such car and reportedly same case at Mendon. Apparently, even though fitted with safety panes, such broke upon impact allowing ballast into the cars resulting in passenger injuries - including fatal.
Both cars apparently will be scrapped; so Amtrak is "down two". Such cars have already been withdrawn from several trains as is. Now that at table food service is limited to "Private Room" passengers and in room "dining" is being encouraged, it would appear that the full length 380XX Diner is more than needed to provide Food & Beverage for the entire train. Snacks and beverages could readily be sold to Coach passengers from one end of such cars. No need for further conversions to 370XX Diner-Lounges that reportedly cost $1M per car now some fifteen years ago.
Amtrak no longer appears to be interested in marketing an "experiential" product; so if such be the case, the Sightseers are simply redundant.
One of the Joplin fatalities occurred in such car and reportedly same case at Mendon. Apparently, even though fitted with safety panes, such broke upon impact allowing ballast into the cars resulting in passenger injuries - including fatal.
Both cars apparently will be scrapped; so Amtrak is "down two". Such cars have already been withdrawn from several trains as is. Now that at table food service is limited to "Private Room" passengers and in room "dining" is being encouraged, it would appear that the full length 380XX Diner is more than needed to provide Food & Beverage for the entire train. Snacks and beverages could readily be sold to Coach passengers from one end of such cars. No need for further conversions to 370XX Diner-Lounges that reportedly cost $1M per car now some fifteen years ago.
Amtrak no longer appears to be interested in marketing an "experiential" product; so if such be the case, the Sightseers are simply redundant.