Amtrak Car in Illinois?

wesp · **Posted:** Tue Feb 07, 2006 11:28 am

This was posted over at RailForum.

http://www.railforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/20/11.html#000000

Quote:

There was an Amtrak Dining Car, possibly named "Birmingham" in Lansing, IL. It was run as an ice cream parlor/diner. In the late 90's it was moved to Griffith, IN, where it was supposedly going to be moved eventually to the Illinois Railway Museum. It is now gone from Griffith, but there has been no word as to where it has gone. My sister used to own it in the late 80's, early 90's. I thought that, as a Christmas present, I could find out where it has been relocated and possibly give that info to my sister. It holds many great memories for our whole family, and it would be a real treat it I could find out where it is. I hope someone out there has some info on this. Thanks.

Wesley

Erich Russ · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 9:44 am **Posts:** 120

It's probably the "Birmingham" that is at IRM now.

The latest acquisition is Atlantic Coast Line lightweight diner Birmingham (Pullman-Standard 1950). The stainless steel car was purchased by Amtrak in 1971 and retired in 1986. The car, still on its own wheels, became a restaurant in Lansing, IL. Eventually the restaurant closed and the car was donated to IRM by the owner. The exterior is a bit shabby, with broken windows and three missing doors, but the unusual dining room interior is in very good shape. It consists of 12 diamond shaped tables with angled booths. The kitchen has been much modified. IRM plans to restore the car to operation.

From this page:
http://www.railwaymuseums.org/RMQ%20Fall%202001.htm

I think they have done a lot of work on the car already. Try asking here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IRMlist/

Erich

Randall Hicks · **Joined:** Wed Aug 25, 2004 9:44 am **Posts:** 154

Quote:

I think they have done a lot of work on the car already.

It's true. I visited the Birmingham just last Saturday and three of the silver car crew were hard at work on it. A lot still needs to be done, of course, but it's complete, and what a great layout for a dining car. Too bad we didn't take any pictures, but ask on the Yahoo list and I'm sure some will be posted.

Bob Kutella · **Posted:** Wed Feb 08, 2006 8:26 am

The Birmingham has had a good cleanup on the exterior, some patchwork done, all bad windows replaced with new glazing and nary a sign of the Amtrak red and blue on the exterior.

It was one of the cars selected for the recent filming of the Eastwood flic, Flags of Our Fathers, due for release late 2006. So the mechanical and brakes are ok and in date also, as it traveled around the Chicago area on location shots.

In this film it has been relettered as a stand in for a Burlington car so do not be misled when you see the film. Still carries the proper name, Birmingham, but that and the letterboard name in the classic Burlington font.

The car will be open on selected days this summer for walkthrough tours along with the other three streamlined cars used in the film.

Bob Kutella

PS We also sent several heavyweights and some diesels for use in the film, including the E 5 Silver Pilot.

phil · **Posted:** Wed Feb 08, 2006 10:44 pm

the Birmingham is gradually coming back to life. We have gotten her internal electrical systems working, so all the lights are on. Since we replaced all the windows last summer, we are no repairing the window trim areas. We are also removing some of the interior modifications to expose original coloring. The set of post war passenger cars should be open for view beginning Mothers Day weekend.