TCRX 1266

This car began life in 1954 at American Car and Foundry in St. Charles, MO, as Santa Fe Railway 3677. Although first included in the initial consist of the then-new San Francisco Chief, it was not uncommon for sibling cars to stray into pool service; meaning they could be found on whatever trains needed that particular car to carry passengers’ baggage. Either way, this car would serve dutifully thru the Amtrak nationalization, becoming AMTK 1165, and later being equipped with Head End Power (HEP) in 1978, when it also gained its 1266 number. The car still functioned as a baggage carrier until the mid 90s, when it was picked up by a firm called Tennessee 200. In 1996, the 1266 emerged as part of the Spirit of Tennessee train, operating in celebration of the Volunteer State’s 200th birthday. Since 2002, this car has become our mobile gift shop and exhibit space.