The Pleasure Dome
One of the favorite railcars we get to charter for clients is the Plaza Santa Fe, a.k.a. the “Pleasure Dome”.
Originally, it was 1950’s version of the Super Chief. Not only was it the only dome car in service between Chicago and Los Angeles, it offered the Turquoise Room – the only private dining room on any passenger train in this country. Located right next to the dining car, it was where you could find the Santa Fe’s Champagne Dinner Service.
Through years of Amtrak service and finding the way into private service isn’t unique to the Plaza Santa Fe. Of the 6 built by Pullman in 1950, all survive. But the 503 is the only one that meets Amtrak standards and still rolls on trains as intended, occasionally along the Santa Fe.
Thanks to all the fine folks who make this possible!
A moment in time
In my life, there are a few moments that I would love to revisit.
This is one of them.
It is an afternoon, sometime in the fall. Rain is imminent, with the smell on the air.
I’m alone with my camera. In a spot that has not much changed over 70 odd years, since man came to visit. The train isn’t terribly out of place either. The long wail of the whistle as it blows for the road crossing echoes across the prairie, just as it might have all those years earlier.
It was just a moment in time. Captured, on film. As much as I just watched it all pass by then, I look at it now and wish I could step back to it now.
A visit today to the same spot? No train, although the rails are there, largely undisturbed by the passage of the years. The train sits nearby, waiting for a call that will never come. Some of the people who made the image possible are gone now.
But the spot remains. Much as it always has, with the passing years. Silent and lonesome, without man.
Still, what I would give to be there again, for just that moment.
Photo Miscellaneous 2
Another classic liquor label today.
Stay tuned for more!
All Ashore
Ah, the pleasures of a sea voyage…
That is without ever having left the dock.
Such awaits aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Over the years, I have stayed aboard in a variety of accommodations. And I have been to my share of events from Sunday Brunch to New Years Eve to just a quiet drink and a nice cigar on the night before a good friends wedding.
With the right mood, the right company, it wasn’t at all difficult to imagine life on a cruise aboard. Travel aboard was civilized. One did not so much travel as they did experience it.
One memorable stay aboard was several nights (during the brief period that Disney operated the ship as a hotel) in what had been a first class room overlooking the harbor and the City of Long Beach. Complete with taps in the bath, still labeled hot and cold sea water. “Voyage to 1939” was the theme aboard. A fine meal at Sir Winston’s brought it all to the height of perfection.
Another one for the “Gotta go back soon” list.
Meanwhile, in the backyard
It is no secret that Walt Disney changed the lives of many people. Entertainment would never be the same with many of the changes that he and the company with his name brought to life.
This was one. A small one in the scheme of things. The hobby of back-yard railroading, in particular. 7 and 1/2 inches between the rails. Walt adopted it as a way to relieve his tensions after a day at the studio. As an example, the yellow caboose was built by hand, complete with interior details was one Walt greatly enjoyed building. The scale stove became one of several items from the railroad project that fellow enthusiasts could and did enjoy on their own railroads. Plans and parts fueled many imaginati0ns.
Who knows how many trains just like Walt’s rolled around backyard’s across the country? I’ve seen plenty photos of great examples. Nice to know that this small part of the Disney world keeps going today. The hobby would not be the same if he had not shared his enjoyment of it with others through his own relaxation.
Of course, you can see the original on display as part of the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, in the Presidio.