Circus Train Cars

[printman2000]

I was wondering the history of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Baily circus train passenger cars.

Who built them?

Were they built for the circus or are they refurbished from the railroads?

 

[printman2000]

Found the answers...

http://chicago.railfan.net/cgi/photos.pl/?page=RBBX_prior

It is amazing how many cars were bought from AMTRAK! RBBB seem to be able to keep these "heritage" cars on the road.

 

[the_traveler]

It is amazing how many cars were bought from AMTRAK!

No wonder riding on Amtrak sometimes seems like a circus! :lol:

 

[George Harris]

Due to all the odd items carried in circus train and the mix of freight and passenger cars, circus trains are classified as freight trains by the railroads moving them, and usually are allowed a maximum speed that is lower than the normal freight train speed limit. Also, a circus train spedns a lot more time stopped than moving. Therefore, the passenger cars in circus trains have a relaitively gentle and low milage life compared to cars in regular passenger service.

 

[GoldenSpike]

It is amazing how many cars were bought from AMTRAK!

No wonder riding on Amtrak sometimes seems like a circus! :lol:

Are you refering to the clowns?

 

[GoldenSpike]

I was wondering the history of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Baily circus train passenger cars.
Who built them?

Were they built for the circus or are they refurbished from the railroads?

History Channel's Extreme Trains series had a program on the circus train with a behind the scene look at how the operation is carried out.