10/2/2016 Update: I added another train example showing shared diner-trolley-railcar influences -- dining car china from the Rock Island's planned but never realized "Golden Rocket". The image tied into the circa-1947 line's streamliner makeover.
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Another more obvious design element shared by rail and restaurant was the use of wings. I suppose it could suggest forward movement or even a tie-in with modern airline travel.
Diners built by the Fodero (nee National Dining Car) company had a famous stainless steel winged clock behind the counter. The winged clock reminds me of the winged PCC streetcar headlights. Some headlights used on the Pacific Electric streetcars had especially long wings (not shown). The long wings remind me of the UP logo and, of course an airplane pilot's wings. What do you think? Have any trolley, rail, or diner clock pics to share?
1940 Fodero diner clock (detail)
PCC car detail
UP engine detail
1947 Central design element of china for the planned Golden Rocket (detail)
And what's old is new again, Mini Cooper logo:
Credits: Fodero diner interior (Scotty's, Pgh, PA) by Ron. https://www.flickr.com/photos/...nroadside/2640193778. Creative Commons. SF PCC by Geo Swan. https://creativecommons.org/li...es/by-sa/2.0/deed.en
https://commons.wikimedia.org/...iginal_cities_-a.jpg Mini Cooper logo: http://www.car-brand-names.com/mini-logo/
Further reading:
