Southern Pacific #296
Technical Data
| Builder |
Pacific Car & Foundry |
| Date |
1962 |
| Class |
66-B-2 |
| Length |
66' |
| Acquired |
2011 |
History
Southern Pacific 6706 is one of 200 "Economy" baggage cars (SP 6601-6800) built for the Southern Pacific in the early 1960's.
By the late 1950's, maintenance costs were catching up with the SP's older baggage and mail cars that were on the roster since the 1920's and 30's. To alleviate the situation, the SP purchased 100 new lightweight baggage cars from the St. Louis Car Co. in 1960. A second order of 100 similar cars was placed with Pacific Car and Foundry and delivered in 1962.
These cars were rather plain, hence the "economy" name, and built entirely of steel in conformity with American Association of Railroad (AAR) standards as well as U.S. Postal regulations. The cars were painted in the solid dark gray scheme with white (silver-gray) lettering.
The car was repainted in 1973 for use on business trains as shown in the photo on the left, above. The photo on the right reflects the car as received by the NCRY in 2011
SP class 66-B-2 built by Pacific Car and Foundry in 1962. Retired by Southern Pacific from baggage handling on 12/23/70; to SP 296 on 7/73; to Golden Gate Railroad Museum (GGRM); sold to RCBX 296 in 11/05; to NCBX 296 on ?? Purchased by the NCRY in 2001 from Bruce Moore
The car is currently in use as the storage car for the Train of Lights interior decorations.