The Silver Penthouse began life as CB&Q 376, one of the premier first class cars on any train in the country. Following the end of the CZ, it then became Amtrak 9251, continuing to grace the tail of many trains just not with so much glory. In 1993, Burlington Northern purchased the car and placed it in storage. The car resurfaced in February, 1999 in the Chicago area, and from there it moved south in May to Topeka and on to Ft. Worth, where it became enshrined at BNSF's corporate headquarters.

The car, now sporting the moniker Prairie View (which formerly belonged to a GN full dome), is the centerpiece in a beautifully designed courtyard. The architecture of the headquarters complex is exquisite, even going so far as to very tastefully use fluted stainless steel accents in various locations. Four other cars, all heavy-weight observations, are also at the complex, two on each side of the entry area into the Visitor's Gallery.

Unfortunately, the Penthouse has been significantly modified (apparently in Topeka) in order to turn it into a conference room. The interior has been completely gutted, the dome floor has been removed (reducing the iconic Vista-Dome to a glorified skylight), and the car's floor is now one level. The windows which used to provide viewing pleasure for the bedroom passengers are now blanked over, and the windows under the dome have been reconfigured to match the others in height. Two doors have been cut into the left side of the car, to facilitate handicapped access.

The Silver Penthouse at Indiana Harbor Belt's Blue Island yard in February, 1999, just before being sent to Topeka, then on to Fort Worth (thanks to Dan for the photos).
Ensconced at the BNSF Fort Worth Corporate Headquarters, the Silver Penthouse is now the Prairie View, complete with BNSF logos and drumhead.  (A. Radecki photos)
General courtyard view, looking north.	Looking south; note the BNSF green-orange "Heritage" beams on the building behind the car...	Car access is through the end door or the two new side doors.
Note that the bedroom windows have been blanked outs...	...while the windows under the dome have been made standard height	Compare the changes with the photo above of Dan's in Chicago.
Prairie View....sigh....		At least the old girl is well polished...
I'd rather see the Golden Gate in neon.
Surgically installed doors...
	View looking in through window in vestibule-end door. Floor is now flat.	Observation end. (Please pardon glare in this and the next few photos...)
Once a Vista Dome, now just a sky light. View looking aft from the left side.	View looking forward and to the right.	Note the fluted stainless steel accents on the elevated walkways, a touch found elsewhere in the architecture as well.
	A final dusk farewell....

 

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