Jump to content

Strata-Dome: Difference between revisions

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Mccanntm (talk | contribs)
11 edits
→References: Amtrak template
 
(16 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Class of 2 coach-dome cars and 3 sleeper-dome cars}}
{{Infobox train
{{Infobox train
| background =
| background =
| name = Strata-Dome
| name = Strata-Dome
| image = Columbian at Thomas Viaduct.jpg
| image = Private cars at 14th Street Coach Yard, December 2018.JPG
| imagesize = 300px
| imagesize = 300px
| imagealt =
| imagealt =
| caption = The B&O's ''Columbian'' on the [[Thomas Viaduct]] in 1949. The Strata-Dome is the fourth car back.
| caption = Strata-Dome Moonlight Dome
| interiorimage = Baltimore and Ohio Columbian Strata Dome.JPG
| interiorimage = Baltimore and Ohio Columbian Strata Dome.JPG
| interiorimagealt =
| interiorimagealt =
Line 27: Line 28:
| capacity =
| capacity =
| operator =
| operator =
[[Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]] (1949-1971)<br />
[[Seaboard Coast Line Railroad]] (1969-1971)<br />
[[Amtrak]] (1971-1981)
| depots =
| depots =
| lines =
| lines =


| carbody =
| carbody =
Line 56: Line 60:


== Design ==
== Design ==
[[Pullman Company|Pullman-Standard]] built the two original Strata-Domes. The dome area seated 24, while the lower level contained two lounges and coach for 42. To accommodate the lower clearances on railroads in the [[Eastern United States]] the dome sat lower on the Strata Dome than on other dome cars, {{convert|21|in}} instead of the standard {{convert|28|in}}.<ref name="sanders" />{{rp|39}} These cars were numbered 5550 and 5551 and given the names "High Dome" and "Sky Dome."<ref name="wayner" />{{rp|54}} At the front of the car the B&O installed a [[speedometer]], [[clock]], [[altimeter]], and [[barometer]].<ref name="ps194908" />{{rp|145}}
[[Pullman Company|Pullman-Standard]] built the two original Strata-Domes. The dome area seated 24, while the lower level contained two lounges and coach seating for 42. To accommodate the lower clearances on railroads in the [[Eastern United States]] the dome sat lower on the Strata Dome than on other dome cars, {{convert|21|in}} instead of the standard {{convert|28|in}}.<ref name="sanders" />{{rp|39}} These cars were numbered 5550 and 5551 and given the names ''High Dome'' and ''Sky Dome''.<ref name="wayner" />{{rp|54}} At the front of the car the B&O installed a [[speedometer]], [[clock]], [[altimeter]], and [[barometer]].<ref name="ps194908" />{{rp|145}}


In December 1950 the B&O acquired three dome-sleepers from the C&O. The [[Budd Company]] had built these cars for the ''[[Chessie (train)|Chessie]]'', a [[Washington, D.C.]]–[[Cincinnati, Ohio]] luxury streamliner which was cancelled before it entered service. Each of these had 24 dome seats, with 3 drawing rooms, 5 roomettes, 1 bedroom in the lower level. The B&O numbered these 7600–7602, with the names "Moonlight Dome", "Starlight Dome", and "Sunlight Dome."<ref name="wayner" />{{rp|55}}
In December 1950 the B&O acquired three dome-sleepers from the C&O. The [[Budd Company]] had built these cars for the ''[[Chessie (train)|Chessie]]'', a [[Washington, D.C.]]–[[Cincinnati, Ohio]] luxury streamliner which was cancelled before it entered service. Each of these had 24 dome seats, with 3 drawing rooms, 5 roomettes, 1 bedroom in the lower level. The B&O numbered these 7600–7602, with the names ''Moonlight Dome'', ''Starlight Dome'', and ''Sunlight Dome''.<ref name="wayner" />{{rp|55}}


In 1952 the B&O would mount [[floodlight]]s on the Strata-Domes to enable viewing the passing scenery at night.<ref name="ps195209" />
In 1952 the B&O mounted [[floodlight]]s on the Strata-Domes to enable viewing the passing scenery at night.<ref name="ps195209" />


== Service history ==
== Service history ==
The two original Strata-Domes entered service on the new ''[[Columbian (B&O train)|Columbian]]'', which debuted on May 5, 1949.<ref name="sanders" />{{rp|39}} They were the first domes in regular service on the East Coast.<ref name="white" />{{rp|199}} The B&O placed the acquired C&O dome-sleepers on the ''[[Capitol Limited (B&O train)|Capitol Limited]]'' and ''[[Shenandoah (B&O train)|Shenandoah]]''.<ref name="wayner" />{{rp|55}} Contemporary advertising referred to "Strata-Dome" service on all three services, despite the mixed origin of the equipment.<ref name="reynolds" />{{rp|56}}
The two original Strata-Domes entered service on the new ''[[Columbian (B&O train)|Columbian]]'', which debuted on May 5, 1949.<ref name="sanders" />{{rp|39}} They were the first domes in regular service on the East Coast.<ref name="white" />{{rp|199}} The B&O placed the acquired C&O dome-sleepers on the ''[[Capitol Limited (B&O train)|Capitol Limited]]'' and ''[[Shenandoah (B&O train)|Shenandoah]]''.<ref name="wayner" />{{rp|55}} Contemporary advertising referred to "Strata-Dome" service on all three services, despite the mixed origin of the equipment.<ref name="reynolds" />{{rp|56}}


In the 1960s the B&O would occasionally lease the three Budd-built dome-sleepers to other railroads, including the [[Atlantic Coast Line Railroad]], [[Canadian National Railway]], and [[Seaboard Coast Line Railroad]].<ref name="trainwebco" /> The Atlantic Coast Line used the domes on its ''[[Florida Special]]'', although operation was limited to [[Richmond, Virginia]]–[[Miami, Florida]] because of tunnel clearances in Washington. They were the first domes to operate on the Florida route.<ref name="pbp19651121" /> The Seaboard Coast Line, successor to the Atlantic Coast Line, purchased the three domes from the B&O (along with eight conventional sleeping cars) in September 1969. The domes returned to the ''Florida Special''.<ref name="wayner" />{{rp|83}} The B&O also modified the two dome coaches to include a snack bar in one of the lower-level lounges.
In the 1960s the B&O would occasionally lease the three Budd-built dome-sleepers to other railroads, including the [[Atlantic Coast Line Railroad]], [[Canadian National Railway]], and [[Seaboard Coast Line Railroad]].<ref name="trainwebco" /> The Atlantic Coast Line used the domes on its ''[[Florida Special (train)|Florida Special]]'', although operation was limited to [[Richmond, Virginia]]–[[Miami, Florida]] because of tunnel clearances in Washington. They were the first domes to operate on the Florida route.<ref name="pbp19651121" /> The Seaboard Coast Line, successor to the Atlantic Coast Line, purchased the three domes from the B&O (along with eight conventional sleeping cars) in September 1969. The domes returned to the ''Florida Special''.<ref name="wayner" />{{rp|83}}


The B&O modified the two dome coaches to include a snack bar in one of the lower-level lounges. The two cars also operated on other B&O trains such as the ''[[Cincinnatian]]''. The ''High Dome'', painted blue and lettered "American Railroads 1869–1969", was part of the 1969 [[Golden Spike Centennial Limited]] to mark the centennial of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. Both cars later ran on the final ''[[Capitol Limited (B&O train)|Capitol Limited]]'' run April 30, 1971 when the train was discontinued at the start of Amtrak.
⚫
All five domes were acquired by [[Amtrak]], which operated them on various services in the 1970s. "High Dome" was wrecked and scrapped in 1980; the other four are privately-owned.<ref name="trainwebbo" /><ref name="trainwebco" />

⚫
Amtrak acquired all five domes and operated them on various services in the 1970s. ''High Dome'' was wrecked in 1975 and scrapped in 1980. Amtrak retired its last, ''Starlight Dome'', in October 1981. The four surviving domes are privately owned.<ref name="trainwebbo" /><ref name="trainwebco" /><ref name="numbers" />{{rp|159–162}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{commonscat|Strata-Dome cars}}
{{commons category|Strata-Dome cars}}
{{reflist|2|refs=
{{reflist|2|refs=
<ref name="pbp19651121">{{cite news | title=Dome Cars Due On Florida Special | newspaper=[[Palm Beach Post]] | date=November 21, 1965 | url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1964&dat=19651121&id=C8UiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Y7cFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2795,6319624}}</ref>
<ref name="numbers">{{Amtrak By the Numbers}}</ref>
<ref name="pbp19651121">{{cite news | title=Dome Cars Due On Florida Special | newspaper=[[Palm Beach Post]] | date=November 21, 1965 | url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1964&dat=19651121&id=C8UiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Y7cFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2795,6319624}}</ref>
<ref name="ps194908">{{cite magazine | title=Train Travelers Can See Speed | month=August | year=1949 | magazine=[[Popular Science]] | url=http://books.google.com/books?id=OSQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA145}}</ref>
<ref name="ps194908">{{cite magazine | title=Train Travelers Can See Speed |date=August 1949 | magazine=[[Popular Science]] | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OSQDAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA145}}</ref>
<ref name="ps195209">{{cite magazine | title=Trains Provide Their Own Moonlight for Night Rides | month=September | year=1952 | magazine=[[Popular Science]] | url=http://books.google.com/books?id=SiEDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA88}}</ref>
<ref name="ps195209">{{cite magazine | title=Trains Provide Their Own Moonlight for Night Rides |date=September 1952 | magazine=[[Popular Science]] | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SiEDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA88}}</ref>
<ref name="reynolds">{{Reynolds-BO}}</ref>
<ref name="reynolds">{{Reynolds-BO}}</ref>
<ref name="sanders">{{Sanders-Indiana}}</ref>
<ref name="sanders">{{Sanders-Indiana}}</ref>
Line 84: Line 91:


{{Budd Company}}
{{Budd Company}}
{{Pullman rolling stock}}
{{Amtrak rolling stock}}


[[Category:1949 introductions]]
[[Category:Train-related introductions in 1949]]
[[Category:Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]]
[[Category:Baltimore and Ohio Railroad]]
[[Category:Budd Company]]
[[Category:Budd Company]]

Latest revision as of 01:25, 6 October 2024

Strata-Dome
Strata-Dome Moonlight Dome
Interior of one of the Pullman-built Strata-Domes. Note the instrument panel at the front.
In service1949–1981
ManufacturerPullman-Standard
Budd Company
Number built5
OperatorsBaltimore and Ohio Railroad (1949-1971)

Seaboard Coast Line Railroad (1969-1971)

Amtrak (1971-1981)

The Strata-Domes were a fleet of five streamlined dome cars operated by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad ("B&O"). The term referred both to a pair of dome cars constructed by Pullman-Standard and three Budd Company domes the B&O acquired from the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway ("C&O"). They were the first dome cars operated in the Eastern United States, following on the success of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad's "Vista-Domes" in the west. The cars entered service in 1949 and were all out of regular service by 1981. Several have been preserved.

Design

[edit]

Pullman-Standard built the two original Strata-Domes. The dome area seated 24, while the lower level contained two lounges and coach seating for 42. To accommodate the lower clearances on railroads in the Eastern United States the dome sat lower on the Strata Dome than on other dome cars, 21 inches (530 mm) instead of the standard 28 inches (710 mm).[1]: 39  These cars were numbered 5550 and 5551 and given the names High Dome and Sky Dome.[2]: 54  At the front of the car the B&O installed a speedometer, clock, altimeter, and barometer.[3]: 145 

In December 1950 the B&O acquired three dome-sleepers from the C&O. The Budd Company had built these cars for the Chessie, a Washington, D.C.–Cincinnati, Ohio luxury streamliner which was cancelled before it entered service. Each of these had 24 dome seats, with 3 drawing rooms, 5 roomettes, 1 bedroom in the lower level. The B&O numbered these 7600–7602, with the names Moonlight Dome, Starlight Dome, and Sunlight Dome.[2]: 55 

In 1952 the B&O mounted floodlights on the Strata-Domes to enable viewing the passing scenery at night.[4]

Service history

[edit]

The two original Strata-Domes entered service on the new Columbian, which debuted on May 5, 1949.[1]: 39  They were the first domes in regular service on the East Coast.[5]: 199  The B&O placed the acquired C&O dome-sleepers on the Capitol Limited and Shenandoah.[2]: 55  Contemporary advertising referred to "Strata-Dome" service on all three services, despite the mixed origin of the equipment.[6]: 56 

In the 1960s the B&O would occasionally lease the three Budd-built dome-sleepers to other railroads, including the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, Canadian National Railway, and Seaboard Coast Line Railroad.[7] The Atlantic Coast Line used the domes on its Florida Special, although operation was limited to Richmond, Virginia–Miami, Florida because of tunnel clearances in Washington. They were the first domes to operate on the Florida route.[8] The Seaboard Coast Line, successor to the Atlantic Coast Line, purchased the three domes from the B&O (along with eight conventional sleeping cars) in September 1969. The domes returned to the Florida Special.[2]: 83 

The B&O modified the two dome coaches to include a snack bar in one of the lower-level lounges. The two cars also operated on other B&O trains such as the Cincinnatian. The High Dome, painted blue and lettered "American Railroads 1869–1969", was part of the 1969 Golden Spike Centennial Limited to mark the centennial of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. Both cars later ran on the final Capitol Limited run April 30, 1971 when the train was discontinued at the start of Amtrak.

Amtrak acquired all five domes and operated them on various services in the 1970s. High Dome was wrecked in 1975 and scrapped in 1980. Amtrak retired its last, Starlight Dome, in October 1981. The four surviving domes are privately owned.[9][7][10]: 159–162 

References

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Strata-Dome cars.
  1. ^ a b Sanders, Craig (2003). Limiteds, Locals, and Expresses in Indiana, 1838–1971. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. ISBN 978-0-253-34216-4.
  2. ^ a b c d Wayner, Robert J., ed. (1972). Car Names, Numbers and Consists. New York: Wayner Publications. OCLC 8848690.
  3. ^ "Train Travelers Can See Speed". Popular Science. August 1949.
  4. ^ "Trains Provide Their Own Moonlight for Night Rides". Popular Science. September 1952.
  5. ^ White, John H. (1985) [1978]. The American Railroad Passenger Car. Vol. 1. Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 978-0-8018-2722-8.
  6. ^ Reynolds, Kirk; Oroszi, Dave (2000). Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Osceola, WI: MBI. ISBN 0760307466. OCLC 42764520.
  7. ^ a b "Chesapeake & Ohio". Retrieved November 3, 2013.
  8. ^ "Dome Cars Due On Florida Special". Palm Beach Post. November 21, 1965.
  9. ^ "Baltimore & Ohio". Retrieved November 3, 2013.
  10. ^ Simon, Elbert; Warner, David C. (2011). Holland, Kevin J. (ed.). Amtrak by the Numbers: A Comprehensive Passenger Car and Motive Power Roster – 1971–2011. Kansas City, Missouri: White River Productions. ISBN 978-1-932804-12-6.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Strata-Dome&oldid=1249644741"