This project was a special treat. It involved the restoration of two stained glass quadrafoil windows in a Pullman railway car. The car itself was produced by The Pullman Palace Car Company in 1927. There are 4 quadruple stained glass windows. Two are adjacent to bathroom showers, the other two are in one of the salons. For this project we restored the two by the showers, as these were often abused during entry or exit from the showers. The windows appear to be at least 100 years old, and of European origin. They were pushed in and had numerous cracked pieces. For this project we flattened the panels, repaired or replaced the pieces( A few of which required repainting), resoldered the reinforcing bars, and re puttied them.
The car is being refinished at this time. All the woodwork is being cleaned and finished, electrical updated, undercarriage strengthened, etc. It is really a demanding project, and all the craftsmen are superb. The current owner is John Paul Dejoria, the owner of Paul Mitchell Hair Products, and Patron Tequila. It is interesting to see all the private rail cars behind Union Station in Los Angeles. It is a charming thought to visualize these cars, now fully restored, touring the country. When the owner wishes to take a trip they have Amtrak hook it up to one of their trains and off they go. Rail has always been an interesting way to travel.You can have a closeup look at the countryside, and stop and get off where you like. It is a very romantic get away.
