Hi- HOD Bill
If, as you said in your very first question, you want to see the scenery and have comfortable seating, there is no better choice than the Silver Vista. The First Class cars are nice, very nice, and if you want to relive the ride of General Palmer and the mine owners, then you may choose to do so. But, the views from those cars is quite a bit more restrictive. In fact, in the Silver Vista on the High Line the view is so different and so marvelous, that it seems to be a different ride. I have ridden the train dozens of times For views and photographs, the Silver Vista is my choice. Incidentally, when the weather has been cold and rainy this summer, the train has offered blankets to riders on the Vista. Furthermore, the Vista is an adult car and has service from the business car. If you're interested, there are "adult beverages" served all through the train.
By the way, you mention seeing the scenery from the highway. I hope you realize that of the 45 mile trip, less than a third is along any highway. Whatever you choose, I expect you'll have a great trip. Come visit us in the Museum before or after your ride.