IMG_3045

Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe #1534 - 1917 Lounge/Crew Dormitory

 

"Railroads often adapted older passenger equipment for new uses. Some cars went through three or four configurations during their service lives.

 

In the pre-streamlined era, the Santa Fe operated a fleet of famous Chicago-California trains, such as the "Chief," the "Scout," and the "De-Luxe." Six older heavyweight standard passenger coaches were rebuilt in the railroad's own shops, each with a lounge area at one end and open sections at the other. During the day, the section's seats were open to passengers enjoying a drink or snack from the lounge; at night, the berths were used by crewmen, who typically worked the entire trip between the Midwest to the West Coast.

 

ATSF 1534 was retired in 1960, and initially went to a Missouri museum. That museum donated the car to IRM in 1969. The car occasionally operates, but is still under restoration. It is the only surviving car of this type.

 

Builder: Pullman/Santa Fe

Empty Weight: 143,800 lbs

Capacity: 56 passengers

Nominal Length: 79 ft"

Done