Observation car

" Are they like USA observation cars or are they panoramic?"

I don't know what USA observation cars you have been on, but the one on the California Zephyr, and probably others on Amtrak, are full length panoramic cars (i.e., you get 180° of overhead viewing). If seen pictures of some of the scenic Swiss trains, like the Glacier Express, and I think they are the same.

I know US has Superliner sightseer cars but back in the early years, there were dome cars and observation cars like on the Canadian. The routes that are in question are the TransAlp from Zurich to Innsbruck via Buch and Zurich to Locarno at 800am.

No dome cars that I am aware of. The panorama cars I have been on are single deck with glass windows curving up to the ceiling on both sides. https://jerrygarrett.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/img_3936.jpg
The Transalp EC train leaving Zurich at 8:40 has these, but only as far as Feldkirch, Austria. Looks like you would need to change cars to get to Innsbruck.
The IR trains to Locarno leaving Zurich at 6:09 and 10:09 also have these panorama cars. Looks like you can get a Supersaver price on these by booking inside 30 days of departure for 50% of normal price. That is non-changeable nonrefundable.
You may need to buy 1st class tickets for these cars. I suggest you contact SBB directly. They are very good at getting back to you with details. http://www.sbb.ch/en/meta/contact.html

Thanks Sam. That answers my question. In the DBB timetables, they list these cars as "observation" while those on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express as "Panoramic Cars"