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American
Freedom Train Like car #20, this car was not part of the American Freedom Train when it began its journey, though it was soon added. It was originally a Southern Railway baggage car (per the AFT Foundation flyer used in 1977 when disposing of its assets). According to Wally Thomas who worked in concessions, the car was marked 545 "SOUTHERN" inside along with capacities, dimensions, and the date 12-17-69. The car was built by Bethlehem Steel in 1939. Image: John Hill |
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The car was used for storage of concessions merchandise and out of that became known simply as "the boxcar". Shown at Pittsburgh, PA July 1976. Image: William Brandon, photographer. George Elwood scan. At the Pentagon stop in September of '76, the car was renumbered 34 -- and stayed that way to the end of the journey; finally all the support cars were in numerical order, 30-34. |
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The car sported "SOUTHERN" across its side for part of the latter half of the AFT's journey -- perhaps a tip-of-the-hat to the Southern Railway which had provided shop space for repair of the AFT locomotives at their Birmingham, AL shops. Here, the former AFT car #33/34 is parked at Hilliard, OH (near Columbus) in 1981 alongside former Chessie Steam Special baggage car #33.
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| By 1981 the car had lost its AFT lettering. |  |
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| By 1981 the car had also lost its AFT number. |  |
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Current disposition unknown. Please email us if you have additional info. Images: Brian Bode 1981 |
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