William Penn

The William Penn is a 1951 rail coach from 1951 which has been fully restored and converted into a dining car for use on the Calera & Shelby Railroad, which operates on a 10-mile section of the former Alabama Mineral Line alongside Buxahatchee Creek in Shelby County.

The car is owned and operated by William Penn Railcar Leasing, LLC, one of several enterprises launched by George and Marcy Williams. Other investors include Mark and Helen Greve, Steve and Bobbie Whiting, and Charlene Nieman. The Williamses purchased the cars from Amtrak and had them professionally restored in St Louis, Missouri. The couple serve as conductor and hostess during 2-hour dinner trips from the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum. Another of their companies, Chooch & Warbucks, is involved in acquiring additional restored cars, including the No. 5206 coach which was used on the former Southern Railway.

For most events the dining car is paired with a second coach, the Kayenta, which serves as a passenger car with restroom facilities. Catering service is provided by Five Star Events Catering.

References

• Williams, Roy L. (August 7, 2008) "Couple turn their love of trains into railcar restoration business." Birmingham News
• Hurst, Samantha (August 11, 2008) "Classic dining experience rolls through." Shelby County Reporter

External links

• William Penn Dining Railcar website