To continue is work in Italy
What we wish to him indeed,
We hope to be chosen
To finish the work and work as a man,
To show our gratitude to Master Pullman.
Fino and His Friends.
Turin, 10 January 1876.
The appearance of the new Pullman cars in England created immediate and favorable comment, for not only were the cars radical in the service which they afforded, but their construction, following the advanced principles of American car building, offered sharp contrast to the less modern cars of English construction. From the most gorgeous first-class carriage down to the dumpiest begrimed coal car, all British railway conveyances rested on four iron wheels, placed in the position where Artemus Ward located the legs of the horse—one at each corner. Until the Pullman sleepers were introduced into Britain, the sight of a car resting on eight wheels was unprecedented, as no one thought of doubting the entire security from danger of a carriage with only four points of support. Indeed, the conservative Briton saw no more real necessity for a railway carriage having eight wheels than for a horse to have more than four legs.
Under arrangements with the Great Northern Railway, Pullman "dining room" carriages were put in service on November 1, 1879, between Leeds and King's Cross Station, London. Luncheon and dinner were served and the menu included "soups, fish, entrees, roast joints, puddings and fruits for dessert," a truly English bill of fare. The reception of this innovation is described by the London Telegraph, which concluded a comment on the dining car with this friendly suggestion:
If the British public can be brought to give this new refreshment-car system, just inaugurated by the Great Northern Railway, a fair trial, there will be another traveling infliction, besides Dyspepsia and Discontent, which will be speedily laid in the Red Sea. I mean the ghost of Ennui. Luncheon or dinner on board a Pullman palace-car will surely banish Boredom from railway journeys.