We are in the process of relocating.
We are still looking for new members so please give us a call.
Winter visitors are most welcome.
YMRR
Yuma, AZ 85367-7922
jad742
The Yuma Model Railroaders are working with the City of Yuma Riverfront Redevelopment and Heritage Foundation to assist in the preservation and restoration of Southern Pacific Railroad Passenger Coach Car No. 1643. It is presently located at the U.S. Army Quartermasters Depot State Historic Park, located at 201 North 4th Ave in Yuma, Arizona.
We are presently researching about this car and how to go about preserving and restoring this great piece of railroad history that we have here in Yuma. This is the history of this car as we best know it today.
Check back as we continue to gather information and share it here on this web page.
If you have any information about this car or a story to share with us please contact us! See our contacts page or click here.
The following pictures are some of #1643. The worn wood/gray faded paint was its then current condition prior o our beginning work on it. Then shown are SP 1643 primered and then in its 'Coach Green' livery. When we get the lettering and trim paint completed more will be added. Work has been held due to funding and other projects. A funding source has been made available and we hope to have the letting and trim paint completed in late Spring 2012.
Check back to see our future progress!
The Details
- as built:
- Built new Sacramento California in 1875 by Central Pacific Railroad
- Original Cost-$4,925.00
- Length at end sills - 43'
- Width at side sills - 9'7"
- Trucks -
Wood frame
6'-0" wheel base
4"x7" journals
33" wheels
- Brakes - Westinghouse triple valve, 10" cylinder
- Couplers - Janney (probably built with Miller Hook couplers)
- Seats - Plush walk over
- Seating capacity - 60
- Lighting - Pintsch gas, 3 fixtures mounted on ceiling centerline
- Gas holders - 1
Operational
History:
At some point #1643 was assigned and operated in the Oakland/Alameda local service. Equipped with sliding platform gates which were removed 08/22/1908, reapplied 10/11/1909 (There may still be evidence of mounting bolt hole locations on the car sides adjacent to the platforms)
- Retired from revenue service, vacated - 1/1/1913
- Changed to MW #1391 at San Francisco, 9/16/1913
-Assigned MofW Service Los Angeles Division SPRR (Yuma and westward is part of the LA Division, Yuma East is part of Tucson Division.
-Abandonded in Yuma in 1938 on a Yuma Valley siding along with two other wooden passenger cars that had been converted to MoW service. Unfortunately the other two rail cars did not fair as good of a fate as #1643. Story told is that they were destroyed in a fire.
More Information?
Do you know something about the history of Southern Pacific Coach Car # 1643 or any other railroad related event in Yuma? We would appreciate hearing from you about any information or stories!
Contact us today!
We welcome your questions and queries. Please see our Contact Us page or click here for complete contact information.
About the Images
Pictures were taken and are used with permission of the Yuma Model Railroaders Members. please ask for further information regarding the use of these images outside our organization.
YMRR
Yuma, AZ 85367-7922
jad742