American Rail Excursions, Inc. is pleased to announce its latest addition to our family of private passenger rail cars, the newly restored, technically advanced Executive Sleeper/Lounge/Observation rail car, "Wingate Brook" (#800487).

A quite remarkable survivor of the Streamliner Era (circa 1948-1964), Wingate Brook boasts an art deco interior and elegant shining stainless steel exterior, making it very unique and prestigious among private rail cars.

The Wingate Brook is a five double-bedroom, buffet kitchen, round-end observation car built for the New York Central Railroad in 1949 by the Budd Company.  This car was used on their crack New York Central trains, such as the "Ohio Express", the "Southwestern Limited", and the world-famous "20th Century Limited".  The Wingate Brook ran with the last "20th Century Limited" train on December 2, 1967.

Wingate Brook's many amenities, such as its step-up rear-longe with extra tall windows,  eight (8) 360-degree swiveling and reclining parlor car seats, fully modernized buffet kitchen, five double-bedrooms with private toilets and sinks, and a full-size shower, make it versatile for day or overnight trips.  With a capacity of 36 by day and 11 by night, it has the ability to satisfy the most discriminating rail traveler.

Although outwardly, the Wingate Brook looks just as it did when it first rolled out of the Budd Company's Shops, its internal components, operating systems, and running gear have all been upgraded to comply to today's rigid FRA standards.  With these standards, mandated annual inspections, and pre-trip inspections, there is as much detailed safety inspections as today's airliners receive.  By no stretch of the imagination is this car old, antique, or out-dated.  With all stainless steel construction, this car can last another fifty years.

We operate premium first-class main-line rail excursions, with Amtrak as our principal carrier.

Our rail cars are based out of Illinois Transit Assembly's main railroad car service facility located in Madison, IL (just outside of St. Louis, MO).  This location will give us quick access on trains traveling to Amtrak's main hub, Chicago's Union Station.  The Wingate Brook will be among an elite group of only a few private rail cars located at America's rail hub center.

Although air travel today is the norm, rushing to the airport, dashing through the termial, and being tightly packed into a confining seat, with no place to move around, is not exactly relaxing or comfortable travel.

Our automobiles have given us great mobility, but have also contributed great stress.  Traffic congestion, with much of today's roadways, and the cluttering of roadside landscape with man-made eye-sores, have detracted from the beautiful scenery America has to offer.

Within the past few years, rail travel has made a strong comeback.  Driven by the need to slow  down and relax, yet traveling with all the amenities of a fine hotel, rail cruising has come of age.  Rail cruising offers ever-changing scenery, while still remaining in contact with the land, and delivers that basic human need- tranquility.

Please let us welcome you aboard!

For further information and to make reservations, contact:

American Rail Excursions, Inc.
Roger J. Verbeeren Jr.
1701 Sauk Trail
Sauk Village, IL  60411-4955
Phone 708/758-6680
Fax 708/758-2781

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