CB&Q parlor-diner-observation #302 was named the "Silver Hours." It was built in 1940 for the Burlington by the Budd Company, Philadelphia, PA, one of four identical cars built between 1939 and 1940. Its cost new was $123,800. Silver Hours is constructed of stainless steel and has a "bullet" observation end which gives it a modern appearance even today. It is equipped with mechanical air conditioning for passenger comfort. The 19' long dining section had 6 tables, each seating 4 persons and the 30' 6" observation area had 22 swiveling seats. Between the observation and dining areas is a 12' section containing rest rooms, storage cabinets, refrigerated cabinets, and loading doors opening to the outside. The fully equipped 21' galley is located at the front of the car. The hand brake was located on the inside wall of the front end of the car.
In 1941 the Silver Hours was assigned to the Zephyr Rocket between St. Louis and Minneapolis. Later it traveled between Chicago and Kansas City on train 35 - the Kansas City Zephyr, between Kansas City and Omaha on train 21 - the Silver Streak Zephyr, and from Omaha to Chicago on train 30 - the Ak-Sar-Ben Zephyr. It was also used on the Sam Houston Zephyr. Retired in 1968, it was donated to the Museum in 1984 by the South Texas Railroad Historical Society, which acquired the car from the Burlington in October 1969. This car is used for private parties and is not open to visitors.
In 1941 the Silver Hours was assigned to the Zephyr Rocket between St. Louis and Minneapolis. Later it traveled between Chicago and Kansas City on train 35 - the Kansas City Zephyr, between Kansas City and Omaha on train 21 - the Silver Streak Zephyr, and from Omaha to Chicago on train 30 - the Ak-Sar-Ben Zephyr. It was also used on the Sam Houston Zephyr. Retired in 1968, it was donated to the Museum in 1984 by the South Texas Railroad Historical Society, which acquired the car from the Burlington in October 1969. This car is used for private parties and is not open to visitors.
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Diner-Observation Car #302
Nickel Plate Road #125, a heavyweight dining and observation car, was built in 1930 by Pullman. It has a full kitchen occupying 30' at one end of the car and a dining area with seating for 30 (6 four person tables and 3 two person tables). Enter the car from the B end. The kitchen is to the right and a passageway is to the left. The passageway leads into a pantry, and then into the 48' dining area. Note that each table has two clips which fit into receptors in the wall. The tables also have folding legs so they can be removed and stored. Currently a display case containing dining car artifacts occupies part of the dining area.
Dining car #125 was purchased from the Oregon, Pacific and Eastern Railway in 1978. The body is painted blue and lettering is yellow.
Dining car #125 was purchased from the Oregon, Pacific and Eastern Railway in 1978. The body is painted blue and lettering is yellow.
New York, Chicago & St. Louis Dining and Observation Car #125
Diner / Observation Cars
Office: 409.765.5700 Fax: 409.765.5744
123 Rosenberg
Galveston, TX 77550
Galveston, TX 77550
E-Mail: galvrrmuseum@sbcglobal.net
