THE MUSEUM
LOCOMOTIVE & PRIVATE CAR

Description:
1937 Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson Locomotive #2839:

#2839 was built by Montreal Locomotive Works and is resplendent in its Royal maroon, gold leaf, gloss black and brushed stainless steel livery, is a testament to the grand era of steam locomotive engineering. The Hudson type is a 4-6-4 wheel arrangement and was a high-speed passenger locomotive with a top speed of 90 mph.

1912 Pullman Private Car #100 California:

Custom built by Pullman in Chicago, Illinois for Clara Baldwin Stocker the eldest Daughter of local Pioneer “Lucky” Baldwin. This railcar has been beautifully restored back to 1912

History

Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago was founded in 1867 to build luxury sleeping cars for the railroads, their success dramatically changed rail travel worldwide. The luxuries of a private Pullman included chandeliers, electric lighting, advanced heating and air-conditioning systems, complete bath facilities, silk draperies, luxury bedding and elegant furniture.

In December of 1912, Clara Baldwin Stocker, eldest daughter of California pioneer E.J. “Lucky” Baldwin, took delivery of a Pullman railcar appropriately named the California. Lucky Baldwin’s fortune came from mining shares, real estate, race horses, hotels and the world renowned Santa Anita Race Track. Clara and Anita inherited his fortune and both commissioned private railcars. Clara’s car was beautifully decorated in a modern style with cream and gold painted staterooms, rather than the usual dark wood grained walls and ceilings. The railcar must have been an imposing and awe inspiring sight, resplendent in maroon, red, gold leaf striping and lettering with polished brass railings and grab handles.

The California, as ordered by Mrs. C.B. Stocker, had a floor plan that was very versatile, spacious and comfortable. It has one double large bedroom and two smaller staterooms for two. The large combination dining and observation room was paneled in elegant Cuban Mahogany and the private rooms were painted in cream and gold. The servant’s section, including the passageway, was quarter-sawed native oak, which was dramatically different from the beautiful mahogany used in the family section. Beautiful decorative leaded glass adorned every window in the California, except in the servant’s quarters.

Reservations

If you’ve never been to the Nethercutt Museum in Sylmar, you’re missing out

WE’RE OPEN! Hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday
from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Guided tours will resume shortly.
Come see us!