Equipment Information

UP 501 is an all-steel passenger car. Built as a “day coach” with more typical seating, it was air-conditioned in 1935 and rebuilt as a “chair car” in 1936. The term “chair car” denoted its configuration with rotating armchairs rather than transverse seats. This made it ideal for longer-distance transportation, rather than short-haul commuter service.  In 1939 it was overhauled for use on the famous UP train The Challenger. It was modernized in 1948 with a streamlined roof and slightly greater seating capacity. The car is complete except for seats.

Builder: Pullman/Pullman-Standard
Year Built: 1928
Seats: 48
Length: 82ft 6in
Description: Chair car / ex-coach / ex-Purple Martin
Arrived: 2004
Condition: Incomplete / unrestored / not operational

Union Pacific 501 Ownership History

1928-1939 – Union Pacific #444
1939-1969 – Union Pacific #501
1969-1975 – Auto Liner, Omaha, Nebraska
1975-1988 – Wild Bird Society, Griggville, Illinois
1988-1995 – Atlantic Railroad Museum, Atlantic, Iowa
1995-2004 – Missouri Central #501
2004-present – Illinois Railway Museum, Union, Illinois

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