Western long-distance train led by F40 No. 226, 1980s.

In this image, F40 locomotive No. 226 leads a train consisting of bi-level Superliner equipment through a western landscape.

Pullman Standard won a contract in 1974 that, as amended, called for production of 284 new bi-level cars. Manufactured at a plant in Hammond, Ind., the order included 102 coaches, 48 coach-baggage cars, 25 café/lounge cars, 70 sleepers and 39 diners.

Amtrak accepted the first Superliner in October 1978, and it was used for the training of on-board service and maintenance crews. Built to be pulled at speeds up to 100 mph, the cars measure 85 feet long (to the ends of the couplers), approximately 10 feet wide and 16 feet high. The final car in the Superliner I order arrived in 1981—representing a six year, $313 million capital investment on Amtrak's part.

Photographer: Unknown for Amtrak. From the Amtrak Corporate Collection.