Los
Angeles Times, November 30, 2008, "...this
year alone, we've seen the
demise of GrandLuxe Travel, ATA, and Aloha airlines, among others."
Fearing that the excellent website advertising the sale of the GrandLuxe might go away after a new
owner was announced, I've copied much of the website here. Please
read their words to get a flavor for the sale of this luxury
train.
After reading these words about the sale of the private train, you
will see why TrainWeb.com's Co-Founder, Steve Grande, wanted me to
obtain a private tour of this train before the ownership change.
Steve believes this is the end of an era in rail travel in the United
States, and wanted to have it documented.
My wife and I traveled on this train in 2006, when it was the American Orient Express, and my
Rail Travelogue of that trip is at: http://trainweb.org/carl/AOE/
The GrandLuxe was
displayed south of the California town of Napa, near American Canyon,
California. From my home in Southern California, I took the Coast Starlight from Fullerton,
California, to Martinez, California, the closest Amtrak Station on the
route to American Canyon. I stayed the night of December 2, 2008,
at the Best Western in Martinez. The next morning I had an
appointment to meet Bob Hicks, Trainmaster of the GrandLuxe, at the
train for a tour and interview.
Through a rare and unique offering, you
now have the opportunity to purchase this fully operational, luxury
passenger train and a piece of American history that will be enjoyed by
rail travelers for generations to come.
Travel by rail offers a unique
opportunity to retrace historic routes while satisfying the need for
adventure and modern luxuries from
even the most discriminating
traveler. The GrandLuxe Express (formally known as the American Orient
Express), is the great dame of American rail travel and is symbolic
with some of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Having served
as “America ’s Premier Train”, the GrandLuxe Express allows passengers
to experience the romance and luxury of a first-class train.
This 20 car, luxury passenger train
(with an additional 11 railcars and assets available), offers the
finest in elegance and comfort. Complete with a dome car, dining car,
lounge car, observation car and sleeping quarters including Grand
Suites. The GrandLuxe Express is adorned with rich fabrics, luxurious
carpets and beautiful craftsmanship providing travelers with a true
five-star experience.
The GrandLuxe Express is an icon in
American rail travel history with its railcars taking on an identity of
their own. Click here for a Tour of the Railcars.
Interested in Learning More?
For additional acquisitional
information including proposal requirements and specific rail car
information, click here
Railcar Tour - A
Variety of Cars
The New York
Railcar – Observation Lounge [
Interior and Exterior Photos by me later in this report ]
The New York observation lounge is an
all-time favorite among GrandLuxe Express travelers and an area where
relaxation, luxury and conversation are savored. Nicknamed “the Lookout
Lounge”, the New York provides a circular, large bay window and
luxurious interiors such as plush upholstered chairs and sofas,
swiveled rockers and slender tables for writing, games and more. This
car also offers a full service bar. Known as the ideal place for
exploring the countryside, spending time with that special someone and
making new friends, the New York observation lounge offers romance and
adventure to travelers.
The Copper Canyon
Railcar– Great Dome Lounge [ Interior and Exterior Photos by me later
in this report ]
The Copper Canyon great dome lounge
offers an upper-level, glass-enclosed dome which provides travelers
with a 360° viewing area for a truly unique viewing experience. The
lounge is an excellent area for socializing and taking in the natural
beauty of the region. This car offers upholstered sofas, chairs, booths
and tables. The Copper Canyon lounge is also equipped with a bar and a
library.
The Zurich Railcar
(Diner) [ Interior and
Exterior Photos by me later in this report ]
The Zurich is a full service, luxury
dining car that provides elegant table placement with ever-changing
views. The dining car has been a timeless favorite among rail travelers
and boasts an intimate and romantic dining atmosphere.
Sleeper Cars
[ Interior and Exterior Photos
by me later in this report ]
The GrandLuxe Express sleeping
quarters are decorated with with mahogany paneling, rich fabrics and
elegant furnishings. Each state room delivers first-class
accommodations creating a personal oasis for guests as they glide down
the rails. From Grand Suites to single cabins, the GrandLuxe Express
sleeper cars deliver supreme comfort to the sophisticated traveler.
Purchasing the
GrandLuxe Express
Through a rare and unique offering,
you now have the opportunity to acquire this fully operational, luxury
passenger train and a piece of American history that will be enjoyed by
rail travelers for generations to come. Libra Securities, on behalf of
GrandLuxe Rail Journeys, is currently accepting indications of interest
for the GrandLuxe Express and will be hosting private and exclusive
viewings showcasing the GrandLuxe Express. Your interest in the
GrandLuxe Express is the first step to owning a piece of railcar
history.
To indicate your interest in
exploring the acquisition of the GrandLuxe Express or to obtain
additional information please contact:
Frank Sena 212.332.4150 /
fsena@ny.librasecurities.com
For all other inquiries, please
contact Tom Kim at 720-946-6330.
Private Viewings -
By Appointment Only
In the Fall of 2008, in the heart of
California’s world-famous Napa Valley wine country, Libra Securities,
LLC., on behalf of GrandLuxe Rail Journeys, will be hosting appointment
only, private viewings of the GrandLuxe Express (formally known as the
American Orient Express), which is currently available for purchase.
This exclusive showing will provide you with the opportunity to view
these unique railcars first hand traveling from car to car while
experiencing the ambiance and grandeur of rail travel. This will also
serve as an opportunity to fully inspect the railcars for operability.
Set amongst one of the world’s most
beautiful backdrops, which is just as well known for its rail travel
throughout the region as it is for its famous grapes, your
participation in this appointment only viewing event will provide you
with a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a great symbol of American
history.
Through a rare and unique offering, you
now have the opportunity to purchase this fully operational, luxury
passenger train and a piece of American history that will be enjoyed by
rail travelers for generations to come.
