The Rise and Fall of Wooden Passenger Cars
From Horse-Drawn Carriages to Steel Giants
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In the early days of railroading, wood was the primary material used to construct passenger cars. These cars were often little more than re-purposed horse-drawn carriages, with wooden frames and bodies. As railroads expanded and speeds increased, wooden passenger cars became increasingly unsafe and uncomfortable.
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In the 1930s, the use of wood in passenger cars began to decline. Steel became the preferred material for car construction, as it was stronger, lighter, and more fire-resistant. By the 1950s, even the use of wood in freight cars had ended, as steel became the standard for all types of railroad cars.
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The story of wooden passenger cars is a remarkable one, and it includes the remarkable story of George Pullman's first palace cars. Pullman's cars were luxurious and comfortable, and they revolutionized the way people traveled by train. Today, wooden passenger cars are a rare sight, but they remain a reminder of the early days of railroading.
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