This car, currently numbered for it's last owner as SPMW 5535, has led an average life, however; that is exactly what makes this piece a viable part of the JT&S museum. Being part of a fleet of over 10,000 Pullman-owned cars, the "Red Oak" was the most typical type of Pullman car, a section sleeper. This artifact will one day give visitors a glimpse into what travel was like before we were in such a hurry.

Originally named "Red Oak", the car was built by Pullman in 1925 as a 12 Section-1 Drawing Room car, to Plan 3410A, Diagram 5. It was then converted in May 1940 to a 14 Section tourist, Plan 4061C, Diagram 2.

"Red Oak" was one of an order of 105 cars built between August and December of 1925, and one of 27 cars named ORANGE_______or RED________ , all originally assigned to service on the San Francisco Overland.

In May of 1940 the car was outshopped as "Tourist Car 3116", relinquishing the name. The 3116 was assigned to Santa Fe's "The Scout", and was one of 31 tourist cars painted in a two-tone paint scheme for that service. It was equipped with steam ejector air conditioning.

The car was subsequently sold to the Southern Pacific in November 1953 due to the Pullman anti-trust suit, and eventually was converted to a Maintenance of Way bunk car.

The car was moved by highway from San Bernadino to the JT&S in the 70's, and was undergoing a conversion to a roomette/lounge car. Since most of the sections had been removed by the SP, it is not financially feasible to restore this car to any of it's former interior configurations. As a lounge this car is used in conjunction with diner "Castle Peak" for meetings and gatherings, etc. Enough components do remain to restore at least two sections. One could be made up for day travel, while the other could illustrate berth sleeping accommodations by being made up for nighttime.

The opportunity exists to restore the exterior to the "Scout" two-tone scheme. This car would perhaps then be the only example of this dark gray/light gray scheme extant. The "Scout" paint scheme also lends itself well to the extreme heat of the Joshua Tree summer, as opposed to the original dark "Pullman Green" body and black roof.

Plans call for reinstalling the air conditioning using an industrial fluid chiller. This will be the least invasive.

Check out restoration progress photos HERE.

Tourist Car 3115 at the Pullman plant after being outshopped in 1940. This is a sister car to ours, and illustrates the "Scout" two-tone gray paint scheme.

Pullman Company photo.

Artwork of enameled sign originally on side of car below the belt rail. This example is from a lapel pin.

Santa Fe advertisement.

Updated: February 11, 2002