Holland America Westours 1055 "Nenana"

Outside for the first time! Ft. Lupton, CO. Jan. 17, 2004. Photo by Mike McGowen.

Notes: Named "Nenana". Holland America 1054-1057 represent the completion of an eight car order for the largest dome cars ever built (at least as of early 2004.) The previous cars - HALX 1050-1053 - were delivered in the spring of 2003. This group was delivered on March 7, 2004.

Being the first of the four cars in the second order to be built, the 1055 holds the landmark honor of being Colorado Railcar's 30th twin level full dome car, equalling the combined production of full domes by Budd and Pullman. This is indeed a landmark milestone for the Ft. Lupton, CO company.

HALX 1055 is a B coach, with a wheelchair lift and an observation platform, and a small lounge on the lower level. In design and decor, the new cars are almost indistinguishable from the earlier cars in the order. All eight cars are used in Holland America's luxury service on the Alaska Railroad, hauling cruise passengers behind the ARR's Denali Star passenger train between Anchorage and Fairbanks.

With the delivery of these four cars to Holland America, the majority of their fleet of vintage Budd domes will be retired, with several being stored for other service.

In November, 2003, I visited Colorado Railcar's plant in Ft. Lupton, CO and had the chance to tour this car while it was under construction. You can see the photos here.

Pasco, WA. March 14, 2004. Photo by Jody Moore.

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