THE DINNER BELLE PT2

The Dinner Belle is one of the new fall excursion trains on the AP&W. A continued look at the train...

The recently expanded train sits in Hillsdale Yard, where it sits after stopping for an electrical issue in the diner. The dome which originally was at the rear is now on the head-end; a new dome is on the rear-end. Mark Davis is walking the train on his inspection before releasing it back into service.

Also an ex-UP dome, the second dome has been extensively rebuilt. Not only has it been reconfigured internally to have the vestibule leading instead of trailing, but it also has had a huge picture window installed on the dome end. This is a feature normally found on inspection cars, and this car was indeed used in this service. It has since been replaced by another car on inspection trains, and now is in use on the Dinner Belle.

The other big change to this car is the dome section; it has been rebuilt into a lounge, with six recliners available for relaxed views from the dome -for a premium price! Look closely, a possible future railfan can be seen in his mother's arms (click on picture for a closer look)!

The expanded Dinner Belle -train DB-C103- passes through to Cumberland. With the new dome on the tail-end, there will be no more concerns about passengers hanging off the back of the train from the vestibule; instead the view is much improved -and much safer- through the huge picture window. Not surprisingly, seats aboard this car are in high demand, despite the premium prices.

The return trip to Pittsburgh -train DB-P103- is at night. While not much can be seen in the darkness, the diner still serves up some great food; here the passengers chow down on the way back home!