El Comedor (RI #428) is a former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad dining car.[1] It was one of four built in 1947 on Lot 6762 by Pullman-Standard to plan 7517 for the Golden Rocket, "the train that never was." It was subsequently added to the consist of the Golden State along with its brethren, and stayed with the train for many years after. The car is noted for its beautiful copper interior and Mexican theme. The hammered-copper grilles and window trim were designed by the Mexican artist Jesus Torres, of the Hull House, Chicago, Illinois. [1]

Rock Island 428
El Comedor
ManufacturerPullman-Standard
Order no.Lot 6762
Constructed1947
DiagramPlan 7517
Fleet numbers428
Capacity36 diners
OperatorsChicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad
Lines servedGolden Rocket
Golden State
Specifications
Car length85 ft 0 in (25.91 m)
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge

El Comedor seats 48 people at 12 tables. For a number of years this car was parked in the LaSalle Street Station in Chicago where it was used as a stationary diner, serving patrons of the station. The car is now smooth-sided in stainless steel, and is in the collection of the Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati in the Latonia area of Covington, Kentucky.

Comedor is a Spanish language word for diner or a railway dining car.

References edit

  1. ^ The Pullman News, Volumes 28-31. Pullman Company, 1949. 13.