To add to what was said about California Zephyr Railcar Charters, besides the relatively affordable possitioning moves, they have a set of tours available each year. Some they sponser, others they supply the equipment for. I've ridden with them a number of times and can testify that service and food on these trips is first rate. They have all been great and well worth the price.

A few of the ones I have been on: Hearst Castle tours, one originating in LA and the other in Oakland CA, and a six day tour of the Inside Gateway and the Oregon Trunk, concluding with the Sacramento River Canyon in daylight. Both Hearst tours are offered again this year, and are worth it just for the top-to-bottom tour of the Castle, not to mention the wonderful dinner afterwards on the Castle Grounds. Trains & Travel is offering a three day Inside Gateway / daylight Sac Canyon version this year, using CA Zephyr's equipment (at least).

So, if you live on the West Coast then there are quite a few possibilities, it just depends on your budget!

Drew