GTW 15046 “Lake Wabascon”
History
Built by Pullman’s Canadian division in 1929 as Grand Trunk Western 15046 “Lake Wabascon”, a solarium observation car. Later converted to a classroom car and attached to a MOW train, the car was sold at an unknown date to a historical group in the Northeast. The group that owned it later dissolved and donated their roster of equipment to the Operation Toy Train group. After determining what equipment they were willing to retain, the GT 15046 was consider surplus and sold to SARHM.
Restoration plan
The plan is to restore the car and paint it to represent a MP solarium observation car. Additionally, the car’s name will be changed to “Lake Calavaras”. While the MP didn’t have any cars with this name, considering this isn’t a true MP car, we decided to use a local name versus utilizing one of the cars found on the MP cars of this type.
Lacking the original interior, the 15046 will be set up as a “convertible lounge.” The “convertible” concept is a hollow car interior that is able to be dressed as needed for whatever occasion arises. For an intimate experience, comfortable lounge chairs would be set up. For a party style venue, it could be set up with bar stools and table. For birthday parties, tables and chairs can be set up to accommodate the guest.
Most importantly, a baby square grand piano will be placed in the rear, observation area of the car. With the idea of Jazz, Swing, or Piano, this car could be the perfect venue for an intimate concert experience. The idea is for this car to play a special part in SARHM’s tourist operations ranging from our planned dinner train to seasonal operations.
History
Built by Pullman’s Canadian division in 1929 as Grand Trunk Western 15046 “Lake Wabascon”, a solarium observation car. Later converted to a classroom car and attached to a MOW train, the car was sold at an unknown date to a historical group in the Northeast. The group that owned it later dissolved and donated their roster of equipment to the Operation Toy Train group. After determining what equipment they were willing to retain, the GT 15046 was consider surplus and sold to SARHM.
Restoration plan
The plan is to restore the car and paint it to represent a MP solarium observation car. Additionally, the car’s name will be changed to “Lake Calavaras”. While the MP didn’t have any cars with this name, considering this isn’t a true MP car, we decided to use a local name versus utilizing one of the cars found on the MP cars of this type.
Lacking the original interior, the 15046 will be set up as a “convertible lounge.” The “convertible” concept is a hollow car interior that is able to be dressed as needed for whatever occasion arises. For an intimate experience, comfortable lounge chairs would be set up. For a party style venue, it could be set up with bar stools and table. For birthday parties, tables and chairs can be set up to accommodate the guest.
Most importantly, a baby square grand piano will be placed in the rear, observation area of the car. With the idea of Jazz, Swing, or Piano, this car could be the perfect venue for an intimate concert experience. The idea is for this car to play a special part in SARHM’s tourist operations ranging from our planned dinner train to seasonal operations.
