Pullman "Sunbeam" -an amazing restoration

[Stephen Hussar]

All, after nearly a decade of searching, researching, fundraising, and restoration, the Pullman Palace Car "Sunbeam" has arrived at its new home at the Hildene estate in Manchester, Vermont. Hildene was the summer home built by Robert Todd Lincoln, eldest son of our 16th President. In addition to being Secretary of War under Rutherford B Hayes, Robert Lincoln was later president of the Pullman Co. Sunbeam was built in 1888, and exquisitely restored by Bob Willetts and crew at the Lancaster & Chester shops in South Carolina.

Enjoy!
Stephen











 

[John Kokas]

That car is magnificent !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Well Done

[Jason M Lamontagne]

Words can't describe the awe...

[Mike Fox]

I'd put on what I said outloud when I saw this car but this is a family forum. Very impressive would be the clean interpretation.

 Is this open for public viewing?

 Thanks for sharing Stephen.

[Stephen Hussar]

Haha...yes, the car is now open to the public. I was there the first full day they had her opened up and spent hours (taking pictures) -and walking around with my mouth open staring. Photos cannot do it justice...it must be seen in person. If you visit, the experience will recharge your "anything's possible" circuits 

Stephen

[Richard "Steam" Symmes]

Is this car anywhere near a live track?  Would have been fun to see it on one trip behind steam before going into the display site forever.

Richard

[Stephen Hussar]

A couple of miles from live rail...the VRS' line between Rutland and Bennington, but they've built enough to either roll the car back and forth, or add a steam locomotive to the display  

Stephen

[Jock Ellis]

Anyone ever read "Rising From The Rails" about Pullman porters and also Todd Lincoln?

[Mike Fox]

How did this area survive the storm. So much damage and devastation in Vermont. Hope this was not part of that.

[Stephen Hussar]

Completely unscathed. One tree blew over, but not close to Sunbeam. An arborist was actually brought in before the car arrived in order to identify which trees should be removed and which should be kept.

They really did this entire project right!!

Stephen 

[Mike Fox]

Thanks Stephen.

[Arttu Manninen]

The car is a masterpiece of construction and restoration! I like the canopy too. A modern glass and steel structure would not have been so majestic. Great exhibition!

Arttu