Updated - 05/01/2023
GCW Passenger Connections
Partner Passenger Rail Services throughout the GCW System
Railfan Specials to Trans-Continental Luxury
Virtual Rail connections with the GCW HO RR offer us the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of Classic to Ultra-Modern passenger train experiences. Everything from Railfan trips, Wine Tours, and classic passenger trains, to modern Amtrak services both locally and cross country.
Pere Marquette 1225 is a class "N-1" 2-8-4 "Berkshire" type steam locomotive built in October 1941 for the Pere Marquette Railway (PM) by Lima Locomotive Works (LLW) in Lima, Ohio. No. 1225 is one of two surviving Pere Marquette 2-8-4 locomotives. It is a live running steam engine owned and operated by the Steam Railroad Institute in Owasso Michigan. The other survivor is 1223, which is on display at the Tri-Cities Historical Society near the ex-Grand Trunk Western (GTW) coaling tower in Grand Haven, Michigan. It is perhaps most famous for serving as the basis for the locomotive in the 2004 film, The Polar Express.
Take a Ride in 1225's Tool Car - 2016 Howell Michigan Melon Fest
What is a journey to you? Traveling from one place to another? A Wine Train journey is so much more than a tour or an excursion. It’s an unforgettable experience. An elegant train. Plush interiors. Polished, personalized service. And multiple courses of fresh, gourmet California cuisine as the lush vineyards of the Napa Valley landscape pass you by. We bring a bygone era back in a luxuriously vintage setting. Whether you choose lunch, dinner, romance, mystery, or exclusive private tours, it’s a nod to the elegant days of train travel. But there’s nothing tired about these trips.
Other trains may have been more luxurious but none could compare to the California Zephyr in the way of friendly service and breathtaking scenery.
Operated jointly by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (the Burlington Route); Denver & Rio Grande Western (Rio Grande); and Western Pacific the train traveled through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
Following the CZ's cancellation as a through service in 1970, Rio Grande picked up the torch and operated a truncated version along its territory between Denver and Salt Lake City/Ogden as the Rio Grande Zephyr.
Dateline -1951
Great Northern stuns the railroad industry and completely re-equips the Empire Builder. In a joint order with Pullman and American Car & Foundry, GN inaugurates 6 all new 15 car consists. These became known as the "Mid-Century Empire Builder".
This edition of the Builder introduces the tall-windowed Mountain Series observation cars and famous "Ranch Cars", a western-themed lounge car featuring the G Bar N brand as its trademark. Meant to emulate a western chuck wagon (complete with pinto leather seats and huge coffee pot), these quickly become the most popular car on the train.
Metropolitan Commuter Rail Services
We handle all the heavies including:
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