El Dorado Restored Parlor-Buffet Observation Train Car

The El Dorado Parlor-Buffet Observation Train Car  is a classic example of the cars that brought up the rear end of first class passenger trains during the heavyweight era, from the turn of the century up into the 1930s and 40s. Extra fair passengers could lean back in the comfortable lounge chairs and watch the countryside pass by, or read a current newspaper or magazine. Down the corridor was a separate smoking compartment, so smokers would not bother other passengers. Also included was a buffet where drinks and snacks could be purchased. First class travel was intended to be relaxing and restful.

Originally built by Pullman in 1924 as an observation smoker car, and after a number of owners and rebuilds, the car began a new career in excursion service in 1957, jointly owned by the Pacific Coast Chapter of the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society (PCC-R&LHS) and the California-Nevada Railroad Historical Society and lettered California Nevada & Pacific Coast no. 1937 El Dorado.

In 1963 the PCC-R&LHS acquired full ownership of the car and had the Bethlehem Shipyards (formerly Union Iron Works) in San Francisco enlarge the lounge section by removing the writing room wall, install new carpet, and repaint the car as Union Pacific no. 1536, still named El Dorado. I t was stored in Oakland and occasionally operated until 1978, when it was presented to the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento. The Museum moved it initially to storage and later placed it on display outside the reconstructed 1876 Central Pacific depot in Old Sacramento State Historic Park.  With the start of excursion train operations in the mid 1980s,  the El Dorado was used to provide lounge car service.  By 1999, after years outdoors in the weather, the car was in need of a good deal of attention.  It was decided to take the opportunity to significantly upgrade the car at the same time, including installation of self-contained power and modern air conditioning.

Specifications:
Builder: Pullman Co.
Date: 1923
Rebuilt: Southern Pacific
Date: 1929
Seating Capacity: 44 passengers originally
Type of Car: Observation smoker
Original Cost: $44,835.86
Construction: All steel
Length over end sills: 75 feet 5 inches
Length over pulling faces: 81 feet 4 5/8 inches
Width Over Side Sills: 9 feet 9 5/8 inches
Height to Top of Roof: 14 feet 0 inches
Weight:, new: 153,200 lbs. (before air conditioning)
Trucks: 2, 6-wheel, steel
Wheel Base: 11 feet 0 inches
Wheel Diameter: 36 inches