Inside the Blue Ridge

The Blue Ridge, is a classic, open-platform business car with extra large windows in the observation lounge and dining room, offering an incomparable view from both the interior and the platform. It is typical of those used by railroad executives, and for "whistle-stop" campaigns during election time. The lounge comfortably seats eight or more on a sofa and swivel-rocker chairs. There are two staterooms, one with a shower. The dining room seats ten at the table, and there is additional seating in the parlor which featues oak wainscoting.
The large, fully stainless steel kitchen is a railroad chef's delight and has freezers, ample refrigeration space and electric Vulcan stove. When not on head-end-power, the Blue Ridge can run for a week on the 250 gallons of diesel fuel that it carries. In addition, the tanks below the car carry 500 gallons of water for drinking, cooking, etc. The car is often used on weekend trips in daytime service and comfortably accomodates 18-20 people.

History:

• built in 1914 for the Norfolk and Western Railway by American Car and Foundry -- originally numbered 1010
• rebuilt in 1934 by N&W as a business car -- renumbered 101
• rebuilt again in 1957, retaining business car configuration -- used in business car service until 1977
• rebuilt again in 1979 by N&W as a dynamics test car for testing freight car components under actual in-service conditions -- mostly a mechanical rebuilding retaining much of the 1957 aesthetics and interior
• after the N&W and Southern Railway merger, the car was renumbered NS 34 -- it continued in service as a dynamics test car until early 1987 when it was declared surplus
• Acquired by Classic Rail Cars in July 1987 and renamed Blue Ridge in honor of its proud Virgina heritage.