The BLUE RIDGE CLUB and BERLIN are eager to participate in the American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners (AAPRCO) 46th Annual Convention and Special Train. Our two private rail cars will be able to accommodate 18 overnight guests in 6 Master Suites (with toilet, sink and shower annex en-suite) and 3 double bedrooms (toilet & sink en-suite with shower-restroom at end of hallway). Our passengers will have exclusive access to both the BLUE RIDGE CLUB and BERLIN rail cars.
Our train of luxury private rail cars will depart Albany on June 11th as part of a non-scheduled Amtrak special train from Albany to Syracuse along the former New York Central Water Level Route. Once in Syracuse, we will be transferred to the Finger Lakes Railway where we can enjoy close to two hundred miles of leisure running where passengers CAN still delight in the fresh air experience of sightseeing from open vestibule Dutch doors. The super sized windows in the BLUE RIDGE CLUB lounge give the best side views possible, and the deluxe sleeping accommodations of the mahogany-walled BERLIN are second to none. Our staff has over sixty years of combined charter rail service, including professional rail chef Fran Phillips, Steward Barry Widdowson along with owners Bill Gray & Kevin Moore. This trip will provide great memories as you sit back, relax, and take in the splendor of recreational rail travel not experienced on traditional Amtrak trains! As a tour member, you will have access to AAPRCO convention events including an opening reception over heavy hors d'oeuvres and drinks on the deck at Twisted Rail Brewing, along with the ever-popular private car open house parties. These annual favorites are coupled with exciting ala carte off-train excursions that take full advantage of all this area has to offer, such as the Corning Museum of Glass and wine tour. Join us in exploring the quaint and picturesque Finger Lakes region! You may view the proposed trip itinerary (provided by AAPRCO) by clicking HERE.
Enjoy the fresh air with Open Vestibule Riding
On the deck at Twisted Rail Brewery & Pub (photo provided by AAPRCO)
We will stop at the Martisco Station for a tour of the Central Railway Historical Society (photo provided by AAPRCO)
Historic Canandaigua, NY (photo provided by AAPRCO)
FARE:
SLEEPING ROOM GUESTS: 18 TICKETS AVAILABLE @
$4,990 PER PERSON (NOTE THESE ARE DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS).
*We reserve the right to substitute railcars as required to meet current Amtrak requirements.
We expect high demand for this trip, so book quickly to preferred room selection.
SOME NOTES ABOUT POSITIONING MOVES Many times we need to move the Berlin from its home base to the origin city where a charter originates and terminates. These are called “positioning moves” and while the Berlin is usually empty, we are sometimes able to make several seats available to our railfan friends and curious travelers that happen along at the right time and want to ride with us. Positioning moves are often one way trips priced well below normal private car fares. We post available positioning moves here with origin and final destination cities. We welcome guests to jump on or off at any city in between on the schedule, however, we can only offer a single rate on each move.
Come along for a relaxed ride on the BLUE RIDGE CLUB and BERLIN!
POSITIONING TRIP #4 Boston to Albany NY on the Lake Shore Limited
Friday August 16, 2024
Join BLUE RIDGE CLUB & BERLIN for an informal, no frills ONE WAY day trip as we reposition the Blue Ridge Club and Berlin from Boston MA to Albany NY following a private charter. The low price point for this trip is only $250 per person, and On Board Services will be limited. Tickets are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis with no reserved rooms or seats. (NOTE: For passengers that desire the privacy of their own room, arrangements must be made in advance and a premium fare will be charged.) Meals en route will be Picnic Class (otherwise known as Bring Your Own Food), however we will supply coffee, soda and water en route. Positioning moves are a great way to “try out” private rail travel at a lower price point. Give it a try while these Heritage Railcars are still running on Amtrak!
ITINERARY:
Our Train #449, the Lake Shore Limited, is scheduled to depart from Boston's South Station at 12:50pm. Travelling west from Boston, the route passes through Worcester, Springfield, Pittsfield and the picturesque eastern Berkshire Mountains. Our arrival at Albany Rensselaer Station is scheduled for 6:10pm.
FARE: $250 per person
PAYMENT - We accept payment by ZELLE, and ACH.
Questions or for payment by Zelle contact: [email protected]
POSITIONING TRIP #6 Albany NY to Chicago IL - Lake Shore Limited
along the Water Level Route May 28-29, 2024 Say Hello to Yesteryear as you travel on BLUE RIDGE CLUB for an informal, no frills ONE WAY day trip as we reposition the car from Albany NY to Chicago IL prior to a private charter. The low price point for this trip is only $1500 per person, and On Board Services will be limited. Tickets are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis with no reserved rooms or seats. (NOTE: For passengers that desire the privacy of their own room, arrangements must be made in advance and a premium fare will be charged.) Meals en route will be Picnic Class (otherwise known as Bring Your Own Food), however we will supply coffee, soda and water en route. Positioning moves are a great way to “try out” private rail travel without breaking the bank. Treat yourself to a trip through history! Ride while these Heritage Railcars are still running on Amtrak!
ITINERARY:
Our Train #49, Lake Shore Limited, is scheduled to depart Albany Rensselaer Station at 7:05m, with scheduled arrival in Chicago at 9:02pm.
FARE: $1500 per person
PAYMENT - We accept payment by ZELLE, and ACH.
Questions or for payment by Zelle contact: [email protected]
POSITIONING TRIP #7 Chicago to New York City - Amtrak Cardinal
along the scenic New River Gorge June 4-5, 2024
Join BLUE RIDGE CLUB for an informal, no frills ONE WAY day trip as we reposition the car from Chicago IL to New York City following a private charter. The low price point for this trip is only $2000 per person, and On Board Services will be limited. Tickets are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis with no reserved rooms or seats. Meals en route will be Picnic Class (otherwise known as Bring Your Own Food), however we will supply coffee, soda and water en route. Positioning moves are a great way to introduce yourself to private rail travel. Give it a try while Heritage Railcars are still running on Amtrak! ITINERARY:
Our Train #50, Cardinal, is scheduled to depart Chicago Union Station at 5:55pm, with scheduled arrival in New York Penn Station at 10:23pm.
FARE: $2,000 per person
PAYMENT - We accept payment by ZELLE, and ACH.
Questions or for payment by Zelle contact: [email protected]
SAVE THESE DATES for 2024 American Autumn Explorer V Late September / Early October, 2024 Dates to be announced
NOTE: All proceeds go toward the restoration and maintenance of the Blue Ridge Club and Berlin rail cars.
The BERLIN Sleeping Car travels by being added to Amtrak trains. The Map of Amtrak routes gives you an idea of the possible train vacation destinations that you may wish to consider when planning your itinerary. The BERLIN Sleeping Car may be chartered by a family, group of friends, corporate travel or any combination you desire. When you charter your private railcar, you create your own luxury railcar trip. You determine where you want your private railcar excursion to go - which route you want to take - and how long you wish to stay at your "train vacation destination."
We will stop at the Martisco Station for a tour of the Central Railway Historical Society (photo provided by AAPRCO) 
Historic Canandaigua, NY (photo provided by AAPRCO) 
