HO ATH 60' Pullman Common Standard Baggage Car, SP 'Two-Tone Gray' #6037

HO ATH 60' Pullman Common Standard Baggage Car, SP 'Two-Tone Gray' #6037 Overview

In the early 20th century, there was a need to replace wooden passenger and head-end cars with steel construction. Wood construction had two major issues. It is a combustible product, especially when placed near a heat source, such as a stove used for heating. It also lacks the strength of steel. Wreckage of wooden passenger and head-end cars has resulted in many deaths. Wood lacks the strength to prevent the “telescoping” of rail cars during a wreck, significantly increasing the casualties.

In 1905, the Southern Pacific began developing an experimental steel passenger car, built on I-Beams and cast body bolsters. Steel side sills and vertical posts, along with a horizontal belt rail formed the framework for a strong girder type of construction. Metal plates were attached to the girder sides. An arched roof consisting of overlapping rolled steel plates provided great lateral strength between the car sides. Further development of the design included weight reduction, the use of a cement flooring, and insulation application.

During this developmental period, the Southern Pacific was controlled by E. H. Harriman, who also had or acquired acquired control of the Union Pacific, Illinois Central, and the Chicago & Alton. These railroads, often referred to as the Harriman “Associated Lines”, adopted a “Common Standard” design of these cars and other railroad equipment. This “Common Standard” design eliminated the duplication of engineering time while lowering the cost of purchased equipment. With few exceptions, the 60' Common Standard Baggage Cars were built by Pullman Standard.

Generally, the “Common Standard” baggage cars were designed to haul the baggage of the passengers riding the train, typically suitcases and trunks. Less typical examples of passenger baggage would be skis and golf clubs, notably for the seasonal trains. Parcels were also transported as required. Other examples of less common baggage could include: pets (in crates), newspapers, company mail (paychecks, vouchers, tickets, coupon books, and meal checks), caskets with human remains, along with milk and cream (typically in 5 or 10 gallon milk cans).