Bachmann, 14303, HO Scale, 85' Smooth Side Observation Car with Lighting, Baltimore & Ohio, Washington
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85' Smooth Side Observation Car
About the Prototype:
In the transformative 1930s, railroads ushered in the streamline era, a revolutionary chapter in passenger travel that blended elegance with efficiency. The introduction of lighter materials like stainless steel and aluminum allowed for the creation of sleek, aerodynamic passenger cars, including coaches, baggage cars, and observation cars. These innovations, with their smooth sides and futuristic designs, reduced travel times and captured the imagination of travelers seeking speed and style.
Among these advances, the observation car stood out as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. Typically positioned at the rear of the train, it featured curved or panoramic windows that offered breathtaking views of the landscapes rushing by. Often equipped with plush seating, sophisticated lounges, and cocktail bars, the observation car elevated rail travel to an experience of indulgence and leisure. It became the centerpiece of the streamlined era, embodying both the aesthetic and functional innovations of the time.
One remarkable example of this design was the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's observation car "Washington." Built in 1949, the "Washington" was a stunning Pullman tavern-observation car originally serving on the Columbian, a Washington-to-Chicago overnight streamliner. Its 17-seat observation area, 24-seat tavern, and cherry blossom mural near the cocktail lounge made it a jewel of the rails, exuding an air of sophistication and comfort.
In 1961, the "Washington" transitioned to the Capitol Limited before being retired in 1971. Thankfully, its legacy was preserved, as it was donated to the B&O Railroad Museum. Today, the "Washington" stands as a testament to the golden age of rail travel. A $500,000 grant from the National Park Service’s Saving America's Treasures program will ensure the car's cosmetic restoration, both inside and out, just in time for the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027. Upon completion, the "Washington" will serve as a unique venue space and a window into the post-WWII and pre-Civil Rights era, keeping the spirit of streamlined elegance alive.
The streamlined cars, which made their debut in the early 1930s, reshaped the way people traveled. Yet, as railroads adapted to evolving passenger needs, these cars, including iconic observation cars like the "Washington," began to fade from prominence by the 1950s and 1960s. Replaced by more practical designs emphasizing comfort and versatility, their legacy continues to inspire rail enthusiasts and historians alike, shining as an enduring symbol of innovation and design brilliance in American railroading.
About the Model:
Features:
- Silver Series® Rolling Stock – Fully Assembled with Lighted Interior
- Highly Detailed Painted Body with Precision Graphics
- Blackened Machined Metal Wheels with RP 25 Contours, Magnetically Operated E-Z Mate® Couplers
- Non-magnetic Blackened Brass Axles with Needle-point Bearings, Celcon Trucks
- Added Weight for Optimum Tracking Performance, HO Scale 1:87
- Product Measurements: L 12.25 in., W 1.5 in., H 2 in.
- Retail Package Measurements: L 12.9 in., W 1.7 in., H 3.5 in.
- UPC: 022899143101
