Silver Rapids




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April 15, 2004. "The CZ Returns" excursion eastbound at Newcastle, CA.
©2004 Ryan M. Martin. Ryan has posted this and many other great shots here.

Clicking the following pictures will open a larger version in its own window:

Double Bedroom The Silver Rapids bedrooms are very comfortable and offer a ride back in time to the wonderful experience of riding a sleeping car in the heyday of rail travel. Designed one of two ways, either with a bench-type seat, or with a chair-type seat and occasional chair. Rooms were designed with one of each type next to the other, with a folding wall between them This arrangement allowed for the wall between them to be retracted, creating one large bedroom accomodating 4 passengers. This was especially great for families.
Bench-type seat. Armrests fold down for further comfort. This seat lays flat accommodating the lower bunk.		Above the bench seat is the upper bunk, lowered by your porter when you're ready to get some rest.
This double bedroom arrangement features a chair seat similar to the roomette. Like the roomette, the seat would lay flat allowing the lower bunk the be lowered from the wall behind. An occasional chair provided seating for another passenger.		The occasional chair could be placed against the folding wall, or wherever it may be convenient when the room is utilized "en Suite". This chair would also fold down to fit under the lower bunk. Note the locking point in the floor right in front of the front right leg of the chair.
The upper bunk in this type of bedroom is cleverly designed to slide down on a track for use, and up out of the way when not needed. Notice also the ceiling fan and above-door storage rack.		A closeup look at the upper bunk track. Also visible is the ceiling in the adjacent bedroom, when set up "en Suite".
A view of the bedroom door on the left showing the full-length mirror, and the bathroom door on the right.		A look at the storage rack over the door. The depth of the shelf offered generous above-door storage.
Flush-mounted light. To the right of this light is where the wall would divide this "en Suite" arrangement into two separate bedrooms.		A view from two windows. The "en Suite" arrangement afforded the roomiest accommodations the train had to offer.
A view with the wall dividing the rooms. This door was still available as a passthrough, allowing adjoining rooms.		A look at the upper section of the door.
A closer look at the door latch.
A view of the lower wall lock.		A look at the lock with the wall open en Suite.
A view looking up at the open wall, also showing the two bathroom doors.		Another view from the other side, showing the ceilings of the rooms, as well as the sliding upper bunk.

Double Bedroom Bathroom The Silver Rapids has new Microphor toilets. The waste tanks hadn't yet been installed, so use was off-limits at this time.
Bathroom door inside the bedroom, also showing the location of the room system controls in the double bedrooms.	With the door open, showing the newly installed microphor toilet.
An inside view of the private bathroom. Shelves on the left accommodated toiletries, while the electrical outlet at the upper right of the picture allowed for the use of electric razors and hair dryers.	The folding sink, in its closed position. The open area below the sink was the location of the formerly installed folding toilet. Having the toilet folded up out of the way made the bathroom quite roomy indeed, affording comfortable personal grooming.
Original, fully-functioning, folding sink. The faucet levers rest inside the bowl recession when folded up. After use, "closing" the sink empties it through a slot on the lower end under the rim.

Roomette The Silver Rapids roomettes have had their toilets removed, most likely by Amtrak. There is a common restroom at the end of the roomette hallway, across from what used to be the porters room. Like the double bedrooms, these rooms also have a wonderful, vintage feel.
Roomette seat. With the arms folded up, 2 people could sit here. It is quite comfortable.		Upper storage area. There is lots of storage in the roomette. On the CZ, your car porter would help you stow and retrieve luggage from this upper shelf.
Below the upper storage area is the personal mirror for shaving/grooming. Also, storage compartments.		A view in the mirror with the well-placed lights turned on.
Below the mirror is the bench installed, most likely by Amtrak. This bench replaced the toilet originally installed in these roomettes. It may have been designed as a secondary seat, but is better utilized as a footrest. It is not at all comfortable for sitting. Also visible is the location of the electrical outlet.		Below the storage compartments is the folding sink and to the left, partially visible here, is the back cushion for the bench.
Original, fully-functioning, folding sink. The faucet levers rest inside the bowl recession when folded up. After use, "closing" the sink empties it through a slot on the lower end under the rim.

Room System Controls This bank of knobs and switches controlled the various personalizing features of the rooms. A section from an original CZ brochure identifying these features can be viewed here.
Air Conditioning - To increase amount of fresh air flowing into your room, turn switch to right; turn left to decrease. Below this panel was most likely, originally the Heat control panel.		Porter Button - Depressing the button summoned the porter. Light - Controlled the ceiling light. "Emergency" setting turns on a small light inside the ceiling light fixture, useful for a nightlight. Fan - Far left position is "off"; next right is "high speed"; next right, "medium speed"; far right, "low speed"." The beige panel directly below was likely the original location of the on-board Radio and Recorded Music control panel.
The slot for disposing of used razor blades. Similar slots could be found in all restroom areas of the train.		Upper panel of unknown origin. Lower silver panel was the location of an Amtrak-added climate-control knob.

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