Hornby TT:120 Pullman First Class Kitchen Car 'Cynthia' – Elegance on Rails

Evoking the grandeur of Britain's golden age of rail travel, the Hornby TT:120 Pullman First Class Kitchen Car ‘Cynthia’ is a masterfully crafted model that captures the refinement and prestige of Pullman service in exquisite detail. A standout addition to any TT:120 collection, ‘Cynthia’ brings the essence of luxury dining to your miniature railway.

Adorned in the iconic Pullman umber and cream livery, this coach features exquisite lining, crisp lettering, and the signature Pullman coat of arms, beautifully reflecting the high standards of service and style that made these trains legendary.

Model Features:

• Intricately detailed interior, complete with fine table settings and passenger seating.

• Accurately modelled kitchen section, adding authenticity and storytelling potential.

• Named ‘Cynthia’, in keeping with the Greek-inspired naming convention used for Pullman First Class cars.

• Ideal for pairing with other Hornby TT:120 Pullman vehicles or suitable express locomotives from the steam or early diesel eras.

The Legacy of Pullman Kitchen Cars

Pullman services first graced British railways in 1874, introduced by the Midland Railway on routes between Bradford and London. Initially reliant on imported American stock, British-built Pullman carriages soon followed, produced by firms like Brighton Works, Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company, and Metropolitan Cammell.

The Pullman Car Company, established in 1882, revolutionised railway travel with at-table steward service and fully equipped kitchen cars like 'Cynthia', introduced in 1925. Meals were freshly prepared onboard and served on linen-dressed tables with the finest crockery and silverware, elevating rail travel into a fine dining experience.

Pullman trains became a hallmark of luxury on all the Big Four railway networks, with named cars like ‘Cynthia’ becoming icons in their own right. Even the traditionally independent Great Western Railway, which initially resisted Pullman stock, eventually embraced their allure.

Following nationalisation in 1948, the Pullman Car Company was absorbed by the British Transport Commission in 1954, and efforts were made to modernise the aging fleet under the 1955 Modernisation Plan. Despite these updates, Pullman services saw a gradual decline, with the final BR-operated Pullman trains withdrawn in 1972.

With its rich historical context and lavish detailing, the TT:120 ‘Cynthia’ brings first-class sophistication to your layout, offering a vivid reminder of an era when railway dining rivalled the finest restaurants.