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| Last updated on August 8, 2025
Curved windows along the edge of the roof give the Santa Fe El Capitan’s Hi-Level lounges a bright, airy feeling; a smaller lounge-buffet is below. Budd Co. photo
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these were the vehicles amtrak’s brain rosenwald used for the “pacific parlour cars”.
i wonder if there was ever a more successful rebranding of a lounge car than this
switch, which began in the mid- 90’s. the high-level lounges, with their
fred harvey service, were standouts during their santa fe careers. then, they
became “stars” in the early days of Amtrak on the super chief and southwest limited – not many other lounges in the fleet were as spectacular or reliable. and,
thanks to mr. rosenwald, they began a third — and arguably even more successful period – on the coast starlight. throughout that era, they
received several mechanical and asthetic upgrades. bravo! i miss them….
Interesting. Scenic views but nobody is looking outside the car.