Car 89
Santa Fe Track Inspection Car 89
Track Inspection Car 89 was built in 1940 by Budd as Lounge-Diner 1397. It
was rebuilt in 1975 at Topeka. The best discussion along with floor plan and
elevation drawings can be found in Passenger Train Equipment of the Atchison
Topeka & Santa Fe, Volume 2, Business and Special Purpose Cars, 1975,
by Frank M. Ellington and Joseph W. Shine.
Below are 5 photos taken at Topeka Railroad Day in 1992. Click on any image
for an enlargement. The lighting for photography is far less than optimum, with
white light coming in windows and green florescent lighting from above.
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Exterior of 89. A roll-up metal protective door is over the
rear window. |
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The view out the back window. A speedometer is located centered
over the window and a speaker system allows a guide to speak to those seated
in the theater seats. |
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7 rows of seats rise rise to about 28" over the floor.
The seats are much like those on airplanes with trays and lights on the
back of the seats. The upholstery is brown stripe with a Native American
motif. |
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This view was taken at the rear of the passenger compartment
looking at the lounge area of the car. This area includes seating for 10
at small tables, seating for 4 each at 2 larger tables, and for 1 at at
desk. |
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The passenger in the foreground is seated at one of the two
larger tables. In the background is a work table with sink, water cooler,
and refrigerator. The hallway gives access to the toilet, coat closet, and
vestibule. |
