Via Rail Panoramic Dome car No. 1720 cruises through English, Alberta, in the consist of train No. 1, the westbound Canadian, on July 16, 2013. Built by Colorado Railcar for the Florida Fun Train in 2000, the three cars, (now VIA Nos. 1720-1722) where not even completed when this operation shut down. Constructed on the center sills of former VIA/CN baggage cars, the cars were finished for service on BC Rail’s Whistler Northwind excursion train in 2000. When this train was discontinued, the cars were bought by VIA Rail. Originally, they saw use on the Skeena, but are now used on the Canadian between Vancouver and Edmonton. With 6 ft. by 6.5 ft. windows, these cars are also known as “Ultra Domes,” with VIA reserving the glass-domed coaches for touring class passengers.
