The Martin and Frances Lehnis Railroad Museum is wrapping up work on a new paint job for their rare Santa Fe Railway Business Car 408 that sits in front of the museum. The ATSF Business Car 408 is going to look like it did in its glory days in the 1920’s and 30’s by getting its “Pullman Green” paint job on the sides and finished off with the silver roof.
The museum’s Workforce Solutions Youth Program employees started the job a few weeks ago which is getting finished up this week with help from Havins Unit inmates. The museum plans to have gold letters painted on the sides of the car soon to finish the classic look.
The short business car was designed for the mid-level railroad superintendent to use as his traveling office during his trips up and down the railroad line in his district. 408 is a perfect example of this type of car, with two bedrooms for the superintendent and his secretary (normally a man), a parlor, dining room, bathroom, kitchen and small bedroom for the Pullman Porter assigned to the car. This particular car was used in the Clovis, New Mexico area.
The Business Car and Caboose are both on display at the Martin & Frances Lehnis Museum.
Pictured above are the Havins Unit inmates painting the car (photo contributed). Below shows the car outside the museum.
