Deco Aluminum Chairs In A 1953 Rail Lounge Car Restoration
Photo Courtesy Ben Butterworth
First class business travel in the era of cigars, cigarettes, three-piece suits, white shirts and narrow ties took place aboard Santa Fe’s renowned El Capitan and Chief streamlined passenger trains. The Mohave Lounge Car was originally built in 1953 by the Budd Company a leading manufacturer of stainless steel streamlined passenger rolling stock for a number of railroads.
After twenty years of service on the Santa Fe and another twenty years for Amtrak the Mohave Lounge Budd railcar was purchased by Mid America Railcar Leasing. The Mohave Lounge Car underwent an extensive rebuilding that combined the newest railroad systems and safety technologies with the distinctive Santa Fe ambiance of the railroad’s great Streamlined period.
Included in the interior restoration of this vintage railcar was an upholstered version of the distinctive Deco Aluminum restaurant chair. The Deco style, small scale, light weight and durable construction of this aluminum chair made it the perfect choice for everyday use aboard the Mohave Lounge.
DecoDina Aluminum Chair www.kpetersen.com
Tags: Aluminum Chairs, Art Deco Chairs, Budd Railcar, Mohave Lounge Car, restaurant chairs, Restaurant Seating