The History of Flatcar # 60
This flatcar is a 72 ft. Warren design flat. It was purchased from World of Mirth Shows on September 21, 1964 by the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. While on the World of Mirth Shows it was numbered # 63.
The actual origin of the car is only speculation. Built by the Warren Tank Car Co. sometime between 1928 and 1937, it has been documented that the Bernardi Greater Shows later changed the name to World of Mirth. Bernardi Greater Shows bought new 72’ Warrens in 1926/1927. World of Mirth then ordered five new 72’ Warrens in 1936. The Jess Adkins and Zack Terrell owned Cole Bros. Circus ordered six new Warrens in 1937. They also bought three from the Sam Gumpertz era of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Other shows that were known to have sold the train cars that eventully ended up on Cole Bros. Circus included S.W. Brundage Shows, Dodson Shows, Robbins Bros. and 101 Ranch which had their cars come from the defunct King Bros., Gentry Bros. and 1929 Cole Bros. World Toured Circus.
Upon it’s acquisition for the Circus Train, the car was refurbished and repainted Yellow with Blue letters and titled Walter L. Main All New Monster Shows on one side and Yellow with Red Letters and a Black Outline titled The Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth on the other side. This paint scheme was used through 1995.
In 1996, it was repainted as a Red car and re-lettered with Yellow Letters, a Black Outline, and White Shading titled Walter L. Main Circus on both sides.
This car was used in every parade train that ran from 1965 to 2003. As of Sept. 2007, it rests on a spur track outside the Train sheds just west of the CWM.
This flatcar is a 72 ft. Warren design flat. It was purchased from World of Mirth Shows on September 21, 1964 by the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Co. While on the World of Mirth Shows it was numbered # 63.
The actual origin of the car is only speculation. Built by the Warren Tank Car Co. sometime between 1928 and 1937, it has been documented that the Bernardi Greater Shows later changed the name to World of Mirth. Bernardi Greater Shows bought new 72’ Warrens in 1926/1927. World of Mirth then ordered five new 72’ Warrens in 1936. The Jess Adkins and Zack Terrell owned Cole Bros. Circus ordered six new Warrens in 1937. They also bought three from the Sam Gumpertz era of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Other shows that were known to have sold the train cars that eventully ended up on Cole Bros. Circus included S.W. Brundage Shows, Dodson Shows, Robbins Bros. and 101 Ranch which had their cars come from the defunct King Bros., Gentry Bros. and 1929 Cole Bros. World Toured Circus.
Upon it’s acquisition for the Circus Train, the car was refurbished and repainted Yellow with Blue letters and titled Walter L. Main All New Monster Shows on one side and Yellow with Red Letters and a Black Outline titled The Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth on the other side. This paint scheme was used through 1995.
In 1996, it was repainted as a Red car and re-lettered with Yellow Letters, a Black Outline, and White Shading titled Walter L. Main Circus on both sides.
This car was used in every parade train that ran from 1965 to 2003. As of Sept. 2007, it rests on a spur track outside the Train sheds just west of the CWM.
4 comments:
So what will happen to these cars if the museum does not plan to use them in the future?
While I'm not the responsible party, I can't tell you.
I have been told by others that none of the old show train cars will meet or exceed railroad regulations and safety standards anymore.
Bob
Interesting. But is this a financial rather than a technical consideration? Old brake systems do need occasional renewal, old wheels need to be changed out, old bearings must be replaced; who pays for all this?
I've heard something about a 50 year rule for railroad cars. I don't know enough about it to tell you right from wrong.
Can anyone else offer any wisdom on this subject?
Bob
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