And to make the most of the view, the car has several rear-facing rows arranged stadium seating style so that everyone gets a great view. When not in use, the window is covered and protected with steel slats that unroll garage-door style.
Here is a photo of a very cool BN version made from a full length dome car: http://archive.trainpix.com/BN/PASSCAR/BUSINESS/A24D.HTM
"OK folks, here's a look at the rails and ties north of the station and (a little later) here's a look at the rails and ties south of the station but you can still see the rails and ties north of the station. And here you can see the feed mill next to the rails and ties south of the station but the rails and ties are still clearly visible!" And, going by this photo, I don't think we modelers have to worry too much about missing ties under the rail on our imperfect layouts. Doug
BNSF uses these cars to tour corporate and RR executives around the system. As a conductor I occasionally get assigned to this train. Fun stuff
Representing a large shipper, I was once a guest aboard CSX's car. Although it poured rain the entire day, everyone stayed warm and dry watching the miles recede behind us. Being the railfan, I brought along a pad and pencil to note locations with promising photographic potential.
