Norfolk & Western Safety Instruction Car #418
Manufactured by the Pullman Standard Car Manufacturing Company in Worcester, Massachusetts. Donated by Norfolk Southern Corporation in 1987.
1947-1957: Purchased at a cost of $108,000 in 1947, the car began service on the Boston & Maine Railroad as diner/bar/lounge car 70, known as the "Bald Eagle."
1957-1964: Sold to the Wabash Railroad, becoming Café/Lounge Car 1570. Passengers rode in comfort, enjoying light food and beverages. 1570 operated on several trains, including the famous Wabash Cannon Ball between St. Louis, Missouri and Detroit, Michigan.
1964-1971: After the Wabash was leased by Norfolk & Western, the 1570 continued to be used until passenger service declined.
1971-1986: Rebuilt in the N&W Roanoke Shops as Safety Instruction Car 418, a mobile classroom. The car was used to teach employees and the general public about railway safety. The car includes a 48-seat theatre and the instructor's living quarters.
Erected by Virginia Museum of Transportation, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1987.
Location. 37° 16.389′ N, 79° 56.746′ W. Marker is in Roanoke, Virginia. It is in Downtown.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Graham-White Manufacturing Company (here, next to this marker); Locomotive Parking Brakes (here, next to this marker); 1952 Squad Wagon (a few steps from this marker); Pennsylvania Railroad GE GG1 Electric #4919 (a few steps from this marker); Norfolk & Western Class A #1218 (a few steps from this marker); Norfolk & Western Class G1 #6 (a few steps from this marker); Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Boxcar #2305 (within shouting distance of this marker); Norfolk & Western Freight Station (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roanoke.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 179 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on April 29, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 29, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
