Missouri Pacific #750 Parlor-Observation Car
The cosmetic restoration of this Parlor-Observation Car will enhance Museum patrons' visits and educate the public on the streamlined passenger era.
History
For twenty years this car brought
up the rear of the Missouri Pacific Railroad’s famous “Missouri
River Eagle” passenger
train. Manufactured in 1940 by American Car & Foundry, this car boasted
air conditioning, a public address system, a private dining room, individual
reclining seats and an enclosed observation room instead of the traditional
open observation platform.
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| You can see the American Car Foundry (ACF) assembly plant in St. Charles, Missouri in the background. |
While this car was in regular service it was frequently used by then-Senator Harry S Truman who traveled by train from his home in Independence, MO to Washington, D.C. It was donated to the Museum of Transportation by the Missouri Pacific Railroad when it was retired in 1963.
As an interesting side note it was Raymond Loewy, the famous industrial engineer that came up with the blue and cream Eagle passenger color scheme that brought color to the Missouri Pacific rails.
It was determined to cosmetically restore this car because of its significance on several historic levels.
- Because of its connection with Senator Harry S. Truman.
- It had great significance in the streamlined passenger era.
- This car has significance in both local and regional transportation history.
Restoration Budget
| Estimated cost for this project is $31,425 | |
| Devcon Body Putty | $200 |
| Replace Broken Windows (MoPac Historical Society requested funds) |
$7,000 |
| Marker Lights | $1,000 |
| Replace missing hardware | $1,500 |
| Caulk | $100 |
| Replace Carpet | $4,000 |
| Curtains | $2,500 |
| Re-upholster moveable seats | $5,000 |
| Replace speakers in car | $500 |
| Replace lamp | $50 |
| Replace fuse and switchboard with circuit breaker box | $150 |
| Replace 60 watt incandescent bulbs with florescent bulbs | $150 |
| Wire brushes | $50 |
| Sand paper | $50 |
| Grinding wheels | $100 |
| Paint and lettering | $6,000 |
| Paint brushes | $50 |
| Painters tape | $50 |
| Miscellaneous supplies | $300 |
| 10% contingency | $2,675 |
| Total | $31,425 |
Donations received to date
| Union Pacific Foundation | $20,000 |
| Missouri Pacific Historical Society | $3,500 |
| NRHS | $3,800 |
| Gaylord Foundation | $4,000 |
| Total Donations as of May 8, 2008 | $31,300 |
Progress
To date (May 8, 2008) the MoPac #750 has had its paint removed, interior
stripped, seats removed, vestibule and rollover steps rebuilt, the car
has been rewired, body repairs done and a gasket system has been identified
for the windows.
 Dismantling the interior. |
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