In the 1930s, new construction techniques allowed for the development of modern, lightweight passenger cars, departing from the heavy riveted steel or wooden-bodied designs found in previous decades. Materials such as stainless steel and aluminum reduced the overall weight of each car, making them more economical to construct and operate while allowing for ease of maintenance, a smoother ride, and improved durability over time. The smooth-side style was adopted by many railroads across North America for their high-priority streamlined express trains, lasting in common service until the mid-1970s. Today, smooth-side cars are frequently found on excursion trains, while some examples remain in revenue operation as commuter cars or corporate business cars. With the Bachmann 85’ Smooth-Side Dining Car, you can recreate the golden age of rail travel when friendships between passengers formed across tables, and chef-cooked meals were served on fine china - all while the ever-changing American landscape passed outside the window.
