I finally more or less completed this passenger train. Not all the cars pictured, but at least each of the car types are and more or less in order. The Slumbercoach is an anomaly as it technically ran on the Denver Zephyr, but I'm pulling the Set with E5s which isn't accurate either.
* Edited to include my 3rd Rail E5s which will be the primary power for this train. Yes I know that CBQ F3s and later E7s, 8s, and 9s pulled this train, but the slant nose E5 is such an iconic locomotive it would be a shame not to pair with these wonderful cars. Also, note that the images of the locomotives were shot in essentially the same light as the Atlas cars (noon-2pm daylight) to get sense of the color match.
"Silver Antelope" is a little out of place on an otherwise mostly CBQ set, however these cars mixed and matched between CBQ, DRGW, & WP regularly. I have a few cars that are unlettered that will get straight "Burlington" decals anyway.
*This color match on Silver Lariat is not an anomaly. It really is more "silver" than the other cars and honestly feels closer to stainless. This is also the first run with the infamous window shades on the outside of the glass. Silver Lariat is also different than "Silver Rifle" as the opposite side of the car has a "conductor's window" which was typically the second dome in the consist.
One more dome coach without a conductor's window would go in this location.
"Silver Lounge" was the dorm and lounge car for the train and open to all passengers.
The full diner came next. I like the kitchen side of "Silver Cafe" in that it does not have all the windows to the kitchen portion of the car.
The not so prototypical Slumbercoach for this train. I shot this in evening light which is why the color is so much warmer. It's also a GGD car and not an Atlas one. However, side by side, it is a pretty good color match.
"Silver Palm" represented the 16-section sleeper that ran on this train. Prior to the Slumbercoach this was the economy sleeper. These would be rebuilt into full coaches in the early 1960's.
Three more 10-6 sleepers would typically be in this location.
"Silver Quail" is a 6-5 sleeper that was added to the train in the 1950's.
Finally, one of the most famous observations on the rails, "Silver Penthouse" represented the best of the best in modern railroading of the era. 3 bedrooms and a lounge, this configuration would prove popular with Budd.
* Final edit on this post: I purchased the K-line "Silver Bear" CBQ baggage car and the WP "Silver Platter" for a very fair price, but after accumulating most of the accurate cars I decided to upgrade those. In the spirit of what Rob has done, I will be re-lettering those cars for either Burlington or another road. Posted here to show the difference in detailing and why I felt it was important to upgrade those two cars.
