In the mid-1950s, the Budd Company developed a series of full-length bi-level dome cars, offering a panoramic view for all passengers seated on the upper level, while the lower level featured a lounge area. A fleet of 14 "Big Domes" were delivered to the Santa Fe Railway in 1954, while 6 similarly configured "Great Domes" were delivered to the Great Northern Railway the following year. A number continued in revenue use into the 1990s under Amtrak®, with “Ocean View” remaining in service on the railroad until 2019. Others found further use as excursion cars on tourist railroads, while some were converted for use on corporate business trains. This model represents "Ocean View" as it appeared while in service with the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad during their 2021 and 2022 operating seasons.
Features Include:
- Authentic Budd Company design
- Fully furnished and lighted interior
- Detailed painted bodies with precision graphics
- Separately applied plastic diaphragms
- Transparent, tinted windows
- Kinematic magnetically operated E-Z Mate® Mark II couplers, for operation on tight radius curves
- Detailed trucks with see-through sideframes
- Blackened metal wheels with RP25 contours
- Performs best on 22” radius curves or greater
- Product Measurements: L 12.25 in., W 1.5 in., H 2 in.
- Retail Package Measurements: L 12.9 in., W 1.7 in., H 3.5 in.