Folks,
I was just reading the roster of passenger cars at IRM. If you include their front end cars like baggage and mail/rpo cars; they have 90 of them with more on the way.

Does any other museum in the US have even half of this many?

They range from complete and operational to cars that need major work. Some of the dining cars are operational and others need work.

The Pullman built cars include wood, heavyweight and lightweight; there is even a Pullman US Army Troop Carrier!
Of course, many of them were in work train service and the resulting restoration projects are ongoing. The Dover Strait is a wonderful example.

If you are thinking of a deserving year-end donation; then the IRM Steam Passenger Department is an excellent choice.

Ted Miles, long time IRM member

Impressive!

And yet another reason I have begun referring to IRM as "Railfan Disney World" .

That being said, I’ve noticed that IRM’s website roster page hasn’t been updated since July 15 of this year, and that didn’t even add another piece of equipment. This shows just how massive of a collection the IRM has.

Work is underway to make an updated and mobile-responsive version of the IRM roster publicly available on the museum's website. It will take some time yet, but stay tuned.

Not a museum, but Grand Canyon Railway has, I think, 43 operable passenger cars, plus another dozen available for restoration.

Eric

Hello to you Ted
Being the curator of the Coach Dept at IRM I would like to thank you for your comments concerning the passenger cars. This year we have been busy with five restoration projects as well as maintaining the currant fleet of 14 cars. It takes a lot of time but all this wouldn't be possible, as you know, without our valuable volunteers. Most of our people are retirees but we have attracted a number of younger members.

There will be two new heavyweights arriving the first quarter of 2022. There are also a number of cars in the works. If anyone is looking for a future great home for their passenger car our inside storage plan can be a huge benefit for its preservation.
This, of course, is contingent on approval of our BOD. There are a number of items to consider; first the item must be donated to the museum and second, monies must be secured for one time track storage charges. Lastly, we interchange with the UPRR and that transportation cost is part of the donation package.
Donations are always accepted especially at this time of year! Thanks again and Merry Christmas
Roger Kramer