The famous Rio Grande Ski Train was a passenger service that transported skiers from downtown Denver to the slopes of the Rockies. From 1940 until 2009, the Ski Train ran between Denver Union Station and Winter Park, Colorado. Standing just outside of Moffat Tunnel's west portal was the city of Denver's fancy ski slopes, which they bought back in 1940. From the onset, the Ski train used heavyweight coaches and F-units. If no steam generator-equipped locomotive was on hand to supply steam to heat the cars, the DRGW trotted out one of their PB steam heater cars to do the job.

In 1988, with new railroad ownership, the Ski train was re-equipped with 14 former CN/VIA Rail "Tempo" coaches. These cars were built by Hawker Siddeley in 1968 for intercity services and consisted of coaches, Snack Coaches, Cafe-Bar-Lounges and Club cars. These cars came equipped with Head End Power (HEP) and therefore needed a locomotive with a HEP generator or a specialized generator car to supply power. For many years the Ski Train utilized those same PB Steam heater cars, now rebuilt with HEP generators, to supply power throughout the train. For 12 years, this train was seen operating with GP40s and other freight power the DRGW had on hand. In 2000, they purchased three ex-Amtrak F40PHs to power these cars.

Following the end of service on the Ski Train in 2009, the cars were stored until being purchased by Canadian National. The F40s and the Tempo cars were redeployed on their Agawa Canyon Tour Train, which was originally operated by the Algoma Central Railway until its purchase by CN.

• Four different types of cars: Coach, Snack Coach, Cafe-Bar-Lounge and Clubs
• Wear the classic D&RGW passenger car scheme, complete with Ski Train logos
• All 14 cars being offered — own the entire consist!

The Tempo Passenger Cars Feature:

• Full, multi-colour interior with individually installed seats
• Complete underbody with separate piping and conduit
• Track-powered “Easy-Peasy” interior lighting and working marker lights operated by magnetic wand (included)
• Capacitor installed for flicker-free lighting over dirty track
• Super-detailed, free-rolling trucks and wheelsets
• Detailed diaphragms with etched-metal end gates
• Separate grab irons installed at the factory
• Suggested minimum radius: 22"

Looking for more Rapido Trains Inc. Passenger Cars & Trains? Click here!