The Passenger Cars

One of the earliest steam operated passenger carriers in America was the DeWitt Clinton, which made its maiden run on August 9, 1831.  Passengers rode in standard stagecoach bodies mounted on railroad wheels!  The LaFayette, which began running in 1837, kept the stagecoach design and slightly modified it by connecting three stagecoach bodies together on the railroad wheels.

Railroads began to attract more riders by adding more and more amenities for passengers.  Dining cars, sleeping cars, private room cars, observation cars and lounge cars were added to the coach car that had seating only.

Pullman-Standard Cars

In the early 1940's lightweight cars were put into use by Pullman.  With their smooth sides, and corrugated stainless-steel panels these cars were put to a variety of uses to transport passengers on the blossoming train lines.  There were several cars, with multiple functions.  Following is a sampling of some of the Pullman-Standard passenger cars.

 4-4-2 Sleeper Car

The 4-4-2's were considered the most luxurious sleeping cars built.  Each car had four large bedrooms, four compartments and two drawing rooms. These cars became the favorites with first-class travelers.

 6-6-4 Sleeper Car

The 6-6-4 Sleepers had six open compartments, six roomettes and four double bedrooms - perfect for long distance travelers.

 10-5 Sleeper Car

10-5 Sleepers featured 10 roomettes and 5 double bedrooms, ideal for comfortable overnight accommodations.

 52-Seat Coach Car

52-seat coaches were the backbone of the passenger trains.  They had large windows and comfortable reclining seats for watching the countryside pass by.

Budd Cars

Budd-manufactured passenger cars became the "car of the future" after 1950.  Their sleeker lines, lightweight stainless steel construction made them usable by any train.  The following is a sampling of these "beauties":

 Dome Car

Budd Dome Cars became one of the most delightful features of cross-country travel.  The "second story" seating within the raised dome was the most popular for travelers.

 Tavern-Observation Car

The wrap-around windows in the end of Budd Tavern-Observation cars gave passengers a classy place to relax and watch the countryside whiz past.

 Baggage/Dormitory Car

On long distance runs, porters, chefs, waiters and car attendants stayed on the train for the entire trip.  Working and sleeping in shifts, dormitory cars provided them with a place to rest, relax and wash-up.

 63' Railway Post Office Car

These cars were post offices on wheels, called Railway Post Office (RPO), fully equipped to collect, sort and deliver mail while in route.

 73' Baggage Car

Passengers' suitcases, pets and all manner of express shipments, as well as bulk mail were stored and traveled in safety in these cars.

 Lounge Car

The lounge car provided 1 drawing room and 29 seats.  This was a great place to relax and mingle.  A bar and sometimes a small grill were some of the extras for the passengers to enjoy and the railroad to earn extra revenue.

 Diner Car

The Budd diner car was known as the best dining facilities on wheels!

 52-Seat Coach Car

The Budd 52-Seat coach car offered more seats and less leg room for passengers and smaller toilet rooms, but it did carry more passengers.

 Slumber & Sleeper Car

The 24-8 Slumber Coach featured 24 single and 8 double bedrooms.  The 10-6 Sleeper Coach featured 10 roomettes and 6 double bedrooms, which provided more privacy and luxury for passengers.