Had an opportunity to stop in Hammond Louisiana yesterday... and take a look at the equipment that was moved from Baton Rouge to Hammond.... The collection includes an Illinois Central business car, a Illinois Central RPO and Southern coach... Many might recall a few months back the discussion on this forum regarding the perceived high expense in transporting these three cars to Hammond.... and the unfortunate circumstances that now will require the cars to leave Hammond... The location where the equipment is stored is a secure lot that I likely believe is owned by the City of Hammond or the parish....

If I recall, now that the deal fell apart to have the cars incorporated into a children's museum ( or something like that )..I believe I read that the RPO would go to the equipment display at the Amtrak station in McComb Mississippi.. and the Southern coach and IC business car might go to Meridian Mississippi, also at an equipment display next to the Amtrak station.... Have not heard much discussion about the equipment moving.... however I thought a few members of the forum might have an interest to see the cars in question and their present location.... If anyone knows any more of the current status, would appreciate hearing about it...


Dean Levin

Did you make a note of those car numbers?

T7

Cars are:

IC mail car 95 (Pullman 1914)

Southern coach 1064 (Pullman 1925)

IC office car 4, ex-A&V 395 (J&S 1883)

They would make a fine excursion consist! They look to be in remarkables shape as well.

Later!
Mr. Ed

Since the 1970's these were part of a collection maintained by the state of Louisiana as a display at the Y&MV station in Baton Rouge. I'm fairly sure the bodies received good maintenance for years, especially the office car. The childrens' museum concept was put together by well meaning people who did not understand that railroad cars are not portable buildings and cannot be left out unsheltered for years. As far as rolling stock goes, these are are good pieces.