80' Wooden Passenger Cars?

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

Any idea what year the first 80 foot wood passenger cars were constructed? Even a ballpark figure? Were they common in 1895? Thanks for any help!

Jeff

2

Well the DHRR is the oldest RR in the USA. They have one in a car barn in Albany so that one must be the oldest. They told me they use it for the BOD meetings. It is painted green [:o)][:p][:)]

[quote]
Originally posted by 1shado1

3

[quote]
QUOTE: Originally posted by spbed

Well the DHRR is the oldest RR in the USA. They have one in a car barn in Albany so that one must be the oldest. They told me they use it for the BOD meetings. It is painted green [:o)][:p][:)]

I appreciate the attempt at helping![:D] But just because the oldest railroad owns an 80’ wooden car, why would it necessarily be the oldest 80’ car? Your logic is faulty. Also, did they tell you when the car was constructed? Do they have a website?

4

You picked the right year. In 1895 vestibules were just being to be enclosed, and 79 and 80 foot wood sleeping and dining cars were being built for Pullman and Wagner, with opulant private cars ahving been exhibited at Chicago’s Columbia Exhibition.

5

Thanks for the help, Dave.[:D] I appreciate it![tup]

Jeff

6

I believe UP is the oldest?

[quote]
Originally posted by 1shado1

7

New York Central shops at West Albany built two 80 foot wooden coaches for the Empire State Express. The cars were shown at the 1893 Chicago Fair. Car weight was 95,400 pounds riding on six wheel trucks… They were among the longest wooden passenger cars constructed. (info from American Passenger Car Vol 1by (John White Jr.)
tom

8

Yes they told me it was used for BOD meetings in the 1870s [:o)][:)]

[quote]
QUOTE: Originally posted by 1shado1