In this article, the topic of Single-Level Dome will be addressed, which has aroused great interest in different areas. Single-Level Dome is a topic that has generated debate and discussion in today's society, and its relevance has been increasing in recent years. Through this article, we aim to analyze different aspects related to Single-Level Dome, providing a comprehensive view on this topic. From its origins to its impact today, different perspectives and opinions will be explored to fully understand the importance of Single-Level Dome today.
Single-Level Dome | |
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![]() A Panorama Dome on Via Rail's Canadian in 2012 | |
![]() Interior of a Panorama Dome on the Canadian in 2014 | |
Manufacturer | Colorado Railcar |
Constructed | 1997–2007 |
Entered service | 1997 |
Number built | 11 |
Capacity | Maximum 76 passengers |
Operators |
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Specifications | |
Car body construction | Corten steel |
Car length | 85 feet (26 m) |
Height | 12 feet 11 inches (3.94 m) |
The Single-Level Dome, also known as the Panorama Dome, is a type of dome coach manufactured by Colorado Railcar for various operators between 1997–2007. They are similar in concept to the company's bilevel Ultra Domes.
Each window on the Single-Level Dome is 6 feet (180 cm) by 7 feet 8 inches (234 cm); Colorado Railcar claimed they were the "world's largest glass domed windows." In a lounge configuration the cars can seat up to 76 at "four tops" (tables with 2 × 2 seating).[1] Via Rail's three cars can seat 71–74 in a standard coach configuration.[2] The interior color scheme for the Florida cars was "aquas, pinks and light green." The windows begin at "thigh level" and curve at the top, constituting "most of the ceiling." The Peninsula Clarion described the view as "panoramic".[3]
The first five cars were built for the Florida Fun Train, a short-lived service between South Florida and Orlando, Florida. These included four coaches and a lounge car with an open platform. The Florida Fun Train folded in September 1998. The Alaska Railroad acquired all five cars at bankruptcy in 1999.[4] One of these cars was rebuilt as a business car, the Aurora.[5] The Alaska Railroad purchased an additional three cars in 2006–2007, bringing their total to eight.[6]
BC Rail acquired three more of the domes (intended for Florida) in 2000. After BC Rail ceased passenger operations in 2002 they were acquired by Via Rail. Dubbed "Panorama Domes", they remain in service.[7] As of 2018 two of the cars operate between Edmonton, Alberta, and Vancouver, British Columbia, on the flagship Canadian, while the third runs on the Jasper–Prince Rupert train between Jasper, Alberta, and Prince George, British Columbia.[8]