General Motors – Train of Tomorrow
The Model
With the assistance and co-operation of Challenger Imports, Ltd., the Whistle Stop is proud to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of this special train with this limited edition HO scale model. Only fifty (50) four-car sets of dome cars Star Dust, Sky View, Dream Cloud and Moon Glow, finished in Royal Blue are available – all factory finished by Samhongsa. The E7 is not included with the set, however we will provide paint, stainless steel trim and a color photo for your diesel.
Four cars – Chair Car, Sleeper, Dining Car, Observation-Lounge. Paint, Stainless Steel Trim for E7 locomotive (not included) $1,400.00.
Model is complete with dome floors which you can use to insert your own interiors.
To place an order or ask a question which requires an immediate response please phone or fax us. If you have any questions regarding what we have available, please email us, we check it daily.
The Prototype
Train First Planned in 1944
The central idea of this train originated with General Motors in 1944 and subsequent practical suggestions from railway officers transportation experts were combined in a four-car Astra Dome train which includes an Electro-Motive 2,000-hp. Diesel locomotive, one chair car, one sleeper, one dining car and one observation-lounge car. Electro-Motive engineers of the Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Company, which developed detail engineering designs and built the Cars.
Construction of the Cars
The E.M. 2,000-hp. Diesel locomotive is 71 ft. long and has a loaded weight of 318,000 lb. Each of the cars is 85 ft. long. The chair car has a light weight of 147,000 lb. and a seating capacity of 72, including the Astra Dome. The dining car has a light weight of 160,000 lb. and seating capacity of 52, including 18 in the Astra Dome and 10 in the private dining room. The total refrigeration space supplied in this car is 111 cu. ft., and ice-making capacity, 225 lb. of ice cubes in 24 hr.
The sleeping car has a light weight of 150,000 lb. and passenger capacity of 24 sitting and 20 sleeping, exclusive of 24 seats in the Astra Dome. This car is designed with two three-berth drawing rooms, three two-berth compartments, and eight duplex roomettes for single occupancy. The observation car has a light weight of 141,000 lb. and seating capacity of 68. This car is
designed with a rear main lounge, cocktail lounge, lower bar and Astra Dome.
The total length of the train, including the locomotive, is 411 ft.; car heights, rail to Astra Dome roofs, 15 ft. 6 in.; empty weight, 920,000 lb.; loaded weight, 977,000 lb.; exterior finish, steel and glass, blue and silver; interior finish, metals, wood plastics and fabrics in 37 colors; total passenger capacity, 216.
The exterior of the train is finished with a glistening blue-green on its sides and roof, punctuated by decorative moldings and sheathing below the windows which have a bright, silver finish.
Finally, after the war, General Motors ordered the four-car demonstrator set from Pullman. The all-dome train was delivered in 1947 and toured the country as the GM Train of Tomorrow pulled by an E7 locomotive in special stainless steel trim. After the tour ended in 1950, the Union Pacific purchased the train for the City of Seattle.