Glen Allen in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Steel Coach
No. 522
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 18, 2010
1. Steel Coach Marker
The Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation built this all-steel coach in 1923. This coach was later modernized and included features such as air conditioning, double-glazed metal windows, cable curtains, and rotating reclining seats with adjustable headrests and footrests.
As passenger service increased, the entire RF&P line was double tracked between 1902-1907. There were also four new passenger stations built. They were Alexandria (1905), Washington (1907), Richmond (1919) and Fredericksburg (1926).
This car is painted to accompany the Blue and Gray Clipper train in operation until the late 1950s. It was the RF&Ps fastest passenger train covering the 113 miles between Richmond and Washington, D.C. in less than two hours.
In these early coaches, the seats were in two rows with a center aisle. On one side there were two seats and on the other side there was one seat that could swivel. As early as 1934, the coaches were fitted with air conditioning.
Passenger service ended when The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) took over operations on May 1, 1971.
Erected by County of Henrico.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Piedmont, in Central Virginia, and in the Richmond Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: U.S. Railway Post Office Car (here, next to this marker); Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad Company (here, next to this marker); Caboose (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Box Car (approx. 0.3 miles away); Log Tobacco Barn (approx. half a mile away); Meadow Farm (approx. 0.6 miles away); Parsons Community Center (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Meadow Farm (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glen Allen.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Meadow Farm (was approx. 0.6 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . .
1. Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad Historical Society, Inc. Website homepage (Submitted on March 21, 2010.)
2. An Amtrak Trip on the former RF&P by N. L. Pitsch. Train Web website entry (Submitted on September 19, 2024.)
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 18, 2010
2. RF&P Markers
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 18, 2010
3. Steel Coach Comfort
By the 1930s, RF&P added many comfort features to passenger cars. Rotating lounge chairs, linen covers to protect passengers clothes, and shades that kept out cinders and dirt all enhanced the travel experience.
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 18, 2010
4. Blue and Gray Clipper
The “Blue and Gray Clipper,” depicted here leaving Richmonds Broad Street Station, operated only four years, from 1955 to 1959. It offered many amenities for families and was the fastest train service offered from Richmond to Washington, D.C.
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 18, 2010
5. Steel Coach No. 522
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, December 10, 2009
6. RF&P Park entrance on Meadow Farm Drive
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, February 2, 2009
7. Meadow Farm entrance on Mountain Road
Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,417 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on September 19, 2024, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
