 |
Harrison Glacier
built 1947
(sister car to Oberlin Glacier) |
 |
Original Floor Plan in 1947 |
A Brief History of The
North
Star
Oberlin Glacier 1947,
Manitoba
Club 1952, St. Croix River 1972, The North Star 1985
|
Harrison Glacier
built 1947
(sister car to Oberlin Glacier) |
|
Original Floor Plan in 1947 |
1947 Oberlin Glacier #1175 -- The Great Northern Railway placed an order with the Pullman-Standard Company to re-equip the Empire Builder with modern streamlined equipment. The Oberlin Glacier was delivered to GN in 1948 as a 16/4 sleeper (sixteen duplex roomettes and four double bedrooms), one of ten such sleepers in Lot #6751. Sister car Harrison Glacier #1177 is pictured above.
Manitoba Club rebuilt 1952
1952 Manitoba Club #1198 GN upgraded the Empire Builder with new equipment which included the spectacular full-length dome cars. At that time the Oberlin Glacier and sister car Harrison Glacier were selected for reconfiguration for the Minneapolis - Winnipeg overnight Winnipeg Limited. Eight roomettes and two bedrooms were removed to make way for a stainless steel buffet kitchen and a cozy lounge seating 24. The car was renamed Manitoba Club.1972 St. Croix River -- With the advent of Amtrak, Burlington Northern Railway choose to keep the car, designating it as business car St. Croix River.
1985 The North Star #800289 -- After being sold by BN in 1981 the car changed hands a couple of times before major rebuilding was started by Milwaukee Rail Car in 1984. Conversion to an open platform business car was completed by North Rail Car in 1985. Retaining the buffet kitchen first installed in 1952, the 1985 rebuilding features a master bedroom with queen bed, two double bedrooms and two original roomettes for crew. The North Star was owned by St. Louis Car Company before being purchased by North Star Charters, Inc. in 1990.
Route of The Empire Builder
The North Star proudly features many Great Northern Railway and Pullman Company items which were collected by former North Star Charters partner and friend, the late Mr. Rich Lutes of Mankato, Minnesota. Today our fond memories of Rich and Marian Lutes live on aboard the railroad car he loved, as our guests enjoy authentic Pullman blankets and hand towels and a wonderful collection of Great Northern serving pieces and memoriabilia.
October 31, 1988 -- Vice President George W. Bush rode The North Star between Baltimore and Washington.
Home Floor Plan Fine Dining History Sample Itineraries Photos Charter Details Experience the Luxury. Experience the Scenery.
Experience a Journey Aboard The North Star.
North Star Charters, Inc. l 1340 Custer Avenue l Cincinnati, OH 45208
513-236-1891
For more information or for a quote on a specific itinerary please write, call or email: David Dawson, General Manager.
