Alstom rebuilding Rocky Mountaineer railcars

The Rocky Mountaineer is one of North America’s premier private luxury passenger trains. Alstom, under a contract awarded in 2014, is rebuilding and modernizing six of the Canadian operator’s passenger cars at its western service center on Mare Island, Calif.

Alstom and Rocky Mountaineer celebrated on March 18, 2016 delivery of the third rebuilt luxury railcar at Mare Island. Alstom previously modernized and delivered two cars and will soon deliver a fourth. Earlier this year, Rocky Mountaineer confirmed that Alstom would rebuild two additional cars for its SilverLeaf Service fleet, bringing the total number of rebuilt cars after project completion to six.

Rocky Mountaineer operates a luxury tourist train service in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada, showcasing the wild beauty of Canada’s west and the majestic Rocky mountains. The service has grown over the past 26 years to become the largest privately owned luxury tourist train company in the world. In 2014, Rocky Mountaineer launched a rebuild strategy to increase the capacity of its SilverLeaf Service fleet by converting its former RedLeaf Service cars into single-level coaches, thereby extending the lifespan of its rail cars, and increasing passenger comfort and services.

Alstom’s scope of work includes a complete overhaul and conversion of the cars, including concept and design; interior and industrial design engineering; mechanical, electrical, and rail testing; as well as commissioning. Rebuilding and modernizing the cars extends their lifetimes by at least 10 years, Alstom said. In addition, by refurbishing, rebuilding and replacing interior and exterior rail car components, Rocky Mountaineer is adding more than 300 additional seats to its SilverLeaf Service capacity.

The newly rebuilt cars also have new HVAC systems to increase passenger comfort, as well as new flat and curved windows that provide a 167% larger viewing area than before.

“Alstom is pleased to deliver two more cars to Rocky Mountaineer, demonstrating the company’s ability to understand customers’ needs and develop tailored solutions,” said Alstom Managing Director-Services, North America Bernd Burgstahler. “These additional rebuilt cars will allow Rocky Mountaineer to add capacity to its service and offer its guests a luxurious train experience.”