I found this passage to be particularly interesting:
The five Hi-Level cars may not necessarily conform to the plan exactly. Since they are cars of a unique configuration, there may be a longer lead time for the design and construction of their replacements. They are presently identified as the highest priorities for replacement but will have to be delivered based on what is achievable and overlaid with the replacement of the first Superliner I vehicles.
That indicates that they are at least hoping to replace the Parlour Cars with something similar, and are open to keeping them around a while longer. But 2012 still seems too early to retire them.
Overall, this report is short on specifics. I'd love to know what Amtrak is planning for the next generation of long-distance lounge cars. Will they be as good as, or better than, the Sightseer Lounges? Or would that be considered too extravagant these days?
I'm also curious about the Horizon fleet, as mentioned in this passage:
There are some specific fleet issues that restrict operations today. The most prominent of these is the use of the Horizon cars in the Midwest. These cars suffer from a variety of operational problems in cold temperatures and winter conditions. However, they are among the more recently acquired vehicles and will not be replaced until late in the fleet replacement cycle. Therefore, these cars are likely candidates for relocation to a more suitable environment as new vehicles become available.
If they're not getting rid of them, where are they going to be used?