A 'Great Dome' rail car built in 1955 is returning to Maine for a month as part of the Amtrak Downeaster that will let passengers ride to and from Boston surrounded by windows allowing them to see New England from a new perspective.

The Amtrak Downeaster is a fun way to travel to Boston, but usually your view is restricted to only what you can see right outside your window.

From August 11 to September 22, the Amtrak Downeaster will be running selected trains with Amtrak's 'Great Dome' car. Six of these rail cars were built in 1955 for the Great Northern Railway, and as passenger rail service declined, Amtrak bought all six cars in 1971. Today only one remains and it's coming to the Amtrak Downeaster. YouTube user DpLfilms caught it as it went through Massachusetts a couple of years ago on its way to Portland.

The top floor of the car has seating surrounded by windows on all sides giving you a 360 degree view of the scenery on your way to or from Boston.

Seats will be available to anyone riding the Downeaster, with no extra fare, however the seats are on a first come first serve basis.

 

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