I saw this on the website of the Grand Canyon Railway, which has a page describing their railcars and the cars' history. In the entry concerning the dome cars, there is this. I highlighted the relevant portion. They don't have the correct date for the introduction of the VC. I had never heard this regarding the Vista Cruiser, but I suppose the idea for it had to come from somewhere.


First Class/Observation Dome Cars

Coconino

This car was built in 1954 for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, and Northern Pacific Railways by Budd Manufacturing Company. This style of car was called “Vista Dome” when in service for Northern Pacific’s run between Chicago and Seattle and were so popular they inspired Oldsmobile to produce a station wagon with a raised window section in the late 1950’s called the Vista Cruiser. Amtrak purchased the car in 1971. GCR purchased it in 1996 and after some refurbishment it went into service in March 1997 as “Coconino.” Its name comes from a Native American word that means ‘dry land’ or ‘land of little water.’ “Coconino” is 85 feet long and carries 42 First Class passengers downstairs, and 24 Observation Dome passengers upstairs.







The page is here. I've ridden on the Grand Canyon Railway. Very nice experience. (Didn't ride in the dome car, though.)


https://www.thetrain.com/the-train/e...wqW%2FbDZl8%3D

 

I guess you've never seen this ad for the 1964 Vista.

 

I have! Many times. But I never noticed the train with the dome cars in the background. Thanks.

 

"Late 1950's"?????

 

I know. But that's what it says on the Grand Canyon Railway's webpage I linked to above.

 

I had to do a double take before noticing the train in the background. Very cool!