COnway Scenic Dome Car

Well I will BE on the Grand Canyon Dome car in mid July. I will let you know how that went.

A properly maintained Dome car is fully temperature controlled. The lower level of a Dome typically devotes the space under the dome to restrooms, not seating. Hence few windows. A Dome Coach has conventional coach seating at the car ends and viewing is exactly the same as a standard coach. Cannot tell you if Conway Scenic cleans their windows but it would be a great shame if they didn't. I remember being on the CZ and going through a car washer in Denver. There were special scrubbers for the Dome glass. Five Domes on that train. It was the Queen IMO.

This is the view from the front window of a Budd-built California Zephyr Dome. Exiting an unlined tunnel. c.1966

The Cape Cod Central sure keeps theirs clean. I took the pic Summer 2015 and yes, this is an old California Zephyr Dome.

Lew

I have done several dome car rides in the past five years.  You are asking the right questions!  The conditions vary greatly among dome car owners and operators.  In my experience, the cars that are (or recently were) Amtrak-certified private owner cars are generally good with respect to air conditioning and cleanliness.  As far as tourist railroads on their own tracks, it depends on the size and reputation of the operation.  The conditions on the Grand Canyon Railway for me four years ago were good with respect to comfort and visibility. (Not really that much to see or photograph from the train, however...)   Mt. Hood RR last fall was a pleasant dome ride but the windows were filthy.  

If you have a choice, the view from "conventional" dome cars, versus full-length dome cars, is superior.  Budd single domes (e.g. California Zephyr, CB&Q, GN, NP) are my favorite!  I always choose a dome car when it is available to me, whatever the price difference. 

I rode in Conway Scenic's dome car in 2017 when owned by previous owner.  It is a really nice car with fully functional air conditioning.  I'm sure Conway will continue to maintain the car to high standards.  As for sitting in the lower part of the car, you miss out on the whole point of the dome car, to have an all around view.

Tony

I have riden the EMPIRE BUILDER in 1975.  It had a full dome, a coach dome, and a full dome.  For once I got a roomette.  The dome sleeper was ahead of me.  View in it wad better than the full.  It also was in late May, so tbe sun did not set u til 9 PM.  Worth the extra money for the sleeper.

Yes, short dome is better!

Rode the train in summer 2017 in addition to the Mount Washington Cog train.

Ride the Conway Scenic dome is a definite YES. Also taking the included meal, first seating is preferred because you eat before trip gets to the end outward bound. Then on the way back to Conway we basically had the entire dome to ourselves. Grandkids loved it.

Also adult beverage service ONLY to dome passengers while in the dome itself.

Great photo views from clean windows. Actually met the shorter distance train enroute and were able to watch the switching moves at Bartlett. 

Book early and get to station at least 1 hour before trip departure so you can watch activity at Conway making up your train.

Susie (and Walter)

I greatly appreciate the feedback from you all.  The Conway might be a one and done for us, so we are going for it.

Ron