News & Reviews News Wire Museum of Transportation unveils restored Missouri Pacific observation car NEWSWIRE

Museum of Transportation unveils restored Missouri Pacific observation car NEWSWIRE

By Steve Glischinski | December 10, 2010

| Last updated on November 3, 2020


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DSCN9188
Missouri Pacific observation car No. 750.
Museum of Transportation
ST. LOUIS — The Museum of Transportation has unveiled its cosmetically restored Missouri Pacific observation car No. 750. Built in 1940 by American Car & Foundry, it was mainly used on MP’s Missouri River Eagle.
 
The car boasted air conditioning, a public address system, private dining room, individual reclining seats, and observation area. It was chosen for restoration because it was used in the region, was a significant artifact of the streamliner era, and was used by then-Sen. Harry S. Truman, who traveled by train from his home in Independence, Mo., to Washington. Missouri Pacific donated it to the Museum when it was retired in 1963.
 
Among the work done during the restoration were rebuilding the vestibule and steps, rewiring, body repairs, new carpeting, interior and exterior painting, and relettering the car for MP. The car now wears a fresh coat of blue and cream paint, a paint scheme designed for Missouri Pacific by famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy.
 
One of the main contributors of funding for the project was the Union Pacific Foundation, which donated $20,000 to the restoration. Other contributors included the MP Historical Society, National Railway Historical Society, and the Gaylord Foundation. — Steve Glischinski
ST. LOUIS — The Museum of Transportation has unveiled its cosmetically restored Missouri Pacific observation car No. 750. Built in 1940 by American Car & Foundry, it was mainly used on MP’s Missouri River Eagle.
 
The car boasted air conditioning, a public address system, private dining room, individual reclining seats, and observation area. It was chosen for restoration because it was used in the region, was a significant artifact of the streamliner era, and was used by then-Sen. Harry S. Truman, who traveled by train from his home in Independence, Mo., to Washington. Missouri Pacific donated it to the Museum when it was retired in 1963.
 
Among the work done during the restoration were rebuilding the vestibule and steps, rewiring, body repairs, new carpeting, interior and exterior painting, and relettering the car for MP. The car now wears a fresh coat of blue and cream paint, a paint scheme designed for Missouri Pacific by famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy.
 
One of the main contributors of funding for the project was the Union Pacific Foundation, which donated $20,000 to the restoration. Other contributors included the MP Historical Society, National Railway Historical Society, and the Gaylord Foundation. — Steve Glischinski
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