Ex-Illinois Central water canteen. Rebuilt in 1990 by the St. Louis Steam Train Association for use as their auxiliary water car.

Features:
• 70 Ton trucks, roller bearing conversion. Journal box lids still on for historic appearance.
• ABDW brake system with 7-1/2” brake cylinder and composition shoes.
• Tightlock couplers.
• MU cable and air line feed through.
• Ground level fill from all four corners via fire hose.
• Air break for top fill.
• Capacity 13,300 gallons
• Was certified for use on Amtrak moves.
• New floor sections and new bulkheads installed on rebuild.
• Requires brake COT&S and inspection before movement.
Excellent condition.

Bids accepted through June 1, 2012, and may be sent to:

Transport Museum Association
Attn: Terri
2967 Barrett Station Road
St. Louis, MO 63122
museum@transportmuseumassociation.org
(314) 965-6885

Car is available for viewing at the Museum of Transportation, St. Louis, during Museum operating hours.

Seems like a perfect water car for the 1522, roller bearings, Amtrak certified, excellent condition...

So, why are they selling it?

They need the money and track space. Chances of 1522 rising again are between slim and none.

I suppose your correct, but it seems short sighted to me. It doesn't take up that much track space, and if they ever did operate again, the cost of creating another canteen car that is as well equipped as that one would likely be significant. That should also mean it would sell for a good price, but unfortunately it rarely seems to work that way.

It's a shame when museums sell off useful assets for short term gain. A year or two down the road the money is long gone, and they're back to where they started. Notice I said "useful", this isn't a rusting boxcar that's unrelated to the groups mission. Proper de-acquisition can be a good thing.

Please note the water car is being sold by the Transport Museum Association, not the Museum of Transportation. The TMA is a non-profit support entity for the Museum of Transportation, and assets of the former St. Louis Steam Train Association were gifted to the TMA, not the Museum. Therefore the water car is not part of the Museum's artifact collection.