WPC20 4148 - 4164 | TrainsDepot.org

WPC20 4148 - 4164

Also known as: Pullman

UIC / EVN numbering: 51 66 09-80

Vehicle type: regular coach

Registration country: Belgium

Railway companies: CIWL - Compagnie internationale des Wagons-Lits et des Grands Express européens

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In service:

from 1929

Built by:

EIC - Charentaise Industrial Companies

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1929

The units from this series are built in 1929, reflecting the design and aesthetic trends of their time. These vehicles, similar to the WPC 4131 - 4147 units, are notable for lacking kitchen equipment.

For the decoration of these exceptional vehicles, the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (CIWL) collaborates with renowned artists to elevate the design and ambiance within the carriages. Among the prominent figures involved is René Lalique, a master glassmaker celebrated for his innovative approach to crystal. Lalique applies a new principle utilizing moulded glass parts to craft the interior walls of specific cars, namely cars n° 4158 to 4164, enhancing the visual and tactile experience for passengers.

In addition, René Prou plays a critical role in the aesthetic enhancement of the other units in the series. He is responsible for the fittings, where he employs his expertise in lacquer and marquetry to create unique and luxurious interiors. Prou's previous work includes the installation of opulent interiors in the S2 metal sleeping cars of the "Calais-Méditerranée-Express", a project that gained him recognition in 1922. His contributions to this series further establish the vehicles as exemplars of luxury in railway travel during the late 1920s.

Sources: https://ec64.pagesperso-orange.fr/CIWL.htm

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