ATSF Pleasure / Vista Dome

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello everyone. I am trying to model the Santa Fe pleasure dome that was used on the Super Chief. I am going to use the USA Trains G scale vista dome as a base, then detail it out to try to match the prototype. I do not know very much about these cars and I was wondering if you could help answer some questions. My dad is the Santa Fe buff, but I am going to give the car to him as a birthday present so I can’t ask him.

I have found no color photos of this car so I have questions on the colors that were used. My first few questions are about the exterior of the car.

  1. What color were the diaphragms? black or silver?

  2. Were the windows clear or did they have a greenish blue tint? If so, what is the best way to make the windows that color?

Now for the hard part - the interior. The roof is made to come off, so the interior must look as close to the prototype as posible. I need to know what color the walls, carpet, and chairs were for each of the following rooms. Also, what kind of window dressings (blinds, curtains, etc.) were used in the…

  1. Turquoise Room

  2. Lower Lounge

  3. Dome Lounge

  4. Main Lounge

Thank you in advance for ANY information you can give. Any pictures or websites on or about the dome car would be great. Michael

2

I hope this helps a little. Found this:

http://community-2.webtv.net/web_lurker/ATSF/

Scroll down and you will see additional links to a couple of photos.

[C):-)]

3

Railroad Model Craftsman did an article on the ATSF Super Chief domes. A floorplan was included. I know I have the issue will look for it and give the date.

The link in the above post is an excellent page to check out.

Found the RMC issue May 1968 pages 34-38 with many photos. The 500 series “Pleasure Dome” cars were used ONLY on the Super Chief and always coupled to the diner’s Kitchen end.

4

Try the ATSF H & MS and also, there are many ATSF Yahoo groups.

5

Michael … Best of luck on this project, and feel free to post pictures of the completed model. I recall my family traveled extensively by train, and I did ride in the Pleasure Dome. It was 50 years ago, and I’m sorry I do not recall the colors. If you’ve not done so yet, contact the Santa Fe Ry Historical Society, and they might assist you.

6

Here is my bibliography of information on these cars

ATSF #500-505 Pullman dome-bar lounge- private dining room, built 1950

pix, plan RR Mod Craftsman May68 p.37

Dome 500 1960 Warbonnet (publication of Santa Fe Rwy Historical & Modlers Society) 1stQuarter 2005 p.30

pix 501 “Santa Fe Diesels & Cars” cover

pix 503 “Santa Fe Diesels & Cars” p.45

pix,plans Santa Fe Car & Loco Plans (ca.1950 book) p.37

pix,plans #501 Model RRer Jul52 p.62

Dome 504 Warbonnet1stQ 05 p.30

general article on ATSF dome cars, Santa Fe Modeler, JanFeb82 p.20

pix, plans Pullman Std Library,Vol.1 p.121-126,XX.

color scale drawing ModRRer Aug93 p.81-87

pix, interior plan ModRRer Aug93 p.88

pix #500, ATSF Color Guide to Frt & Pass Eqpt p.15

CU lounge interior, CU bar ATSF Super Chief Trains magazine, June74 p.7