Place: |
Capitol City Brewing - Capitol Hill (next to
Union Station) 2 Massachusetts Avenue NE,
Washington,, DC
RED LINE
- UNION STATION - Massachusetts Ave. NE & 1st St.
exit, turn right at the front of Union Station and
cross 1st St. (See map below) |
About the Topic: |
The Dover Harbor, a restored
classic American sleeper-lounge-buffet railroad car,
is the only heavy-weight Pullman revenue passenger
car still operating in unrestricted train service on
the main lines of America. The Dover Harbor is
completely Amtrak compatible and is available for
lease and charter service, mobile and stationary, at
locations anywhere in the USA and parts of Canada.
The car is rich in history, tradition, and elegance,
yet it provides the comforts, convenience, and
service you would expect from a fine hotel. It is
beautifully restored to its authentic 1930s
appearance and meets all current mechanical and
safety requirements.
The Dover Harbor was constructed
by the Pullman Company of Chicago in July, 1923 as a
combine baggage-library car. The 81 foot car weighed
80 tons and had four sections, a twelve-seat lounge,
a barber shop, and a twenty-eight foot baggage area.
In March, 1934, the coach was recalled into the
Pullman Company Shops and rebuilt with six double
bedrooms, a buffet, and a lounge, and was renamed
the Dover Harbor. The Pullman Company assigned the
car to service on a succession of railroads until it
was retired on October 18, 1965. After passing
through a series of private owners the Washington,
D.C. Chapter of the National Railway Historical
Society purchased the Dover Harbor on November 30,
1979.
Our speaker will describe the
great emphasis placed on retaining as much of the
car's 1934 appearance as possible while maintaining
its period appearance. The Chapter instituted
mechanical improvements which enable the car to meet
current standards. The car has received high-speed
roller-bearing trucks and wheel sets, new
controlled-slack couplers, retention-toilets,
upgraded brake system with anti-lock mechanism, and
a self-contained 60kW diesel generator. The car's
electrical system has also been replaced. The Dover
Harbor became Amtrak certified on May 21, 1986. It
is now the only heavy weight Pullman revenue car
fully operational for private use on Amtrak
passenger trains. |