This website has been archived from TrainWeb.org/ultradomes to TrainWeb.US/ultradomes.
In 2000, BC Rail embarked on an ambitious plan to launch a luxury passenger train that would run along the railroad's highly scenic route between Vancouver and Prince George, BC. Dubbed the Whistler Northwind, the train entered service in 2001. Included in the luxurious nine car train were three single level domes built by Colorado Railcar, along with another standard lounge car which was also purchased from CRM. Two of the domes 1720 and 1721 were used for the train's upscale "Panorama" service, while the third, 1722, seated the train's "Summit" service passengers. An additional round-end summit lounge car, a diner and kitchen car, as well as a crew sleeper and a power car rounded out the consist. The train was pulled by a specially painted B39-8. The service seemed to be growing well, but was discontinued along with the rest of BC Rail's passenger service at the end of the 2002 season. The three dome cars, the Panorama lounge, and the Summit lounge cars were all purchased by VIA. The three domes and the summit lounge car were refurbished for use on the Skeena. Many thanks to James Miller, BC Rail's manager of business development, marketing and sales, for providing these photos as well as several other materials regarding the Whistler Northwind train for use on this site.
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