TRAVEL AMERICA
IN STYLE
with RAIL EXCURSIONS on

THE SCOTTISH THISTLE

A Rare Classic Train Car
Available for Private U.S. Travel

Wine Tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley

2009-2010 Private Bookings Available to Fit Your Schedule (travel any day of the week)

Gather your group of family, friends or business associates for a fun, relaxing Day Trip by train to two of the Santa Ynez Valley’s celebrated wineries! A truly unforgettable way to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, retirement or any special occasion!

Board your private rail car, the Scottish Thistle, at San Diego, Los Angeles, or any Orange County station. Then celebrate in total comfort with gorgeous water views as we travel up the California coast to Santa Barbara. Our professional staff will pamper you with beverages and luncheon on the way. Debark mid-afternoon at Santa Barbara station for private transportation and escorted tours to tasting rooms at two notable area wineries. Return to your private car for the evening trip home, with our Chef’s full gourmet dinner served by candle light in our dining room. We’ll customize your private excursion for up to 20 people.

Call (714) 544-5779 for more information.

An Elegant Setting

The Scottish Thistle is one of the newest private rail cars in service today. Built for senior executives of the Canadian National Railway, it is first-class in every way, with a rear observation deck, full salon, formal dining room, two double staterooms, a full kitchen and staff quarters.

Comfort

The Scottish Thistle's heavy duty underframe gives you the smoothest ride available in a rail car. Designed for service in northern climates, it is extraordinarily well insulated. With full air conditioning, you'll be cool in summer, warm in winter, and travel in quiet comfort the year round.

Blondes Prefer The Scottish Thistle

A Stately History

From its construction in 1959, the Scottish Thistle's history is purely Canadian. The shell of the car was built by one of the premier manufacturers of the time, National Steel Car. The completed shell was then delivered to the Canadian National Railroad's prestigious Montreal shops for the interior to be specially outfitted for the top management of the railroad. For its entire life on the Canadian National Railroad the Scottish Thistle was used throughout the system for executive transport, client entertainment and public relations efforts. In its final assignment for the railroad, it served the Vice President of the Prairie Division based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 1994, the Scottish Thistle was purchased by its current owner from the Canadian National and repositioned to Southern California.

Due to its continuous service through the years, the car has been carefully maintained, updated and modernized.

A Personal Staff to Serve You

While the Scottish Thistle is yours you will receive the full attention of a personal staff. An experienced porter tends to your every need including bartending duties. Memorable meals of your choosing are prepared by an accomplished chef. All meals and refreshments are included in your charter fee.

Accommodations to Fit Your Needs

Photo Courtesy of Trainweb

SLEEPING: The Scottish Thistle has two staterooms which can accommodate two adult passengers each. Depending on age young children may be accommodated as well.
DINING: As many as ten can be accommodated at a sit down meal in the Scottish Thistle dining room.
DAY TRIPS: Up to 14 people can enjoy the Scottish Thistle on trips for which overnight accommodations are not required.
RECEPTIONS: You can comfortably host a reception for as many as 30 guests on the Scottish Thistle.
LARGER GROUPS: If you have more passengers than the Scottish Thistle can comfortably accommodate, Rail Excursions can provide additional private rail cars to meet your needs.