American Rail Excursions, Inc. is proud to announce the latest addition to
our fine family of beautifully restored Budd built rail cars for charter or
long-term lease, The "Henry Hudson"- a grill/buffet/diner (800644).

This car’s heritage is 1952 Budd built for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a 16  parlor-day drawing room car,#7139 "Henry Hudson" for use on the "Senators". Amtrak acquired in 1971 and renumbered in the 3600-series.  In October 1973, Henry Hudson was converted to a buffet-lounge during a heavy shopping
at Amtrak's Beech Grove, IN facility.  Henry Hudson was then renumbered 3320.    In 1983, this car was rebuilt as a cafeteria car for Auto Train Service.  It was again renumbered 8703 until it was retired from service in late 1997.  Illinois Transit Assembly purchased the car in 1998, made some modifications and improvements and the car entered lease service with Branson Scenic Railway and was renamed The City of Branson.

(A special "Thank you!" to John H. Kuehl of Private Varnish Magazine for providing the previous historical information and many of the following pictures.)

(Clicking on any linked keyword will allow you to view interior pictures.)

Purchased in April, 2001, the new owner, Michael Gresham, is motivated to keep this car busy.  Currently, The "Henry Hudson" is available for any rail trip requiring the services of a high capacity/volume food service car. The 36’ food servicing line is all stainless steel. The car is equipped with large capacity refrigeration and freezer storage.  It also has a large amount of holding oven space, as well as a number of new amenities for fresh on-board food preparation.  A 32" tall stainless rail running the full length of the counter divides the food service line. Rubber tile covers the floor in the food service line and food prep areas. The rest of the car is carpeted. The dining area of the car has booth seating for 32. Dining arrangements may be casual with disposable cups, plates and utensils. Or, you may choose to set up an elegant first-class dining experience with waiters/waitresses, linen tablecloths and napkins, china place settings, silverware, bud vases with flowers and mood lighting.