GN-‘Pass’ Sleeper Pair-Western Star

Description

Great Northern Sleepers #700 Indian Pass  &  #1180 Stevens Pass

Built by Pullman-Standard as back up ‘reserve’ cars for the 1947 streamlined Empire Builder, these cars were delivered in 1950, and both were assigned the next year to the new Western Star. The accommodations were 8 duplex rooms, 4 bedrooms and 4 sections.

When the GN launched the new ‘Mid-Century’ Empire Builder  1951, all of the cars from the 1947 Empire Builder train were then assigned to this new 1951 train, The Western Star. Thus the consist for the Western Star was the same as it had been for the ’47 Builder. The lettering boards were changed from Empire Builder to read Great Northern for all of the cars now on the new Western Star. The four sleepers were two of these ‘Pass’ cars and two of the ‘Glacier’ series sleepers.  This changed over time and certainly and with seasonal flow.

The cars were delivered with skirts, but most skirts were removed later to allow easier service to the car.

These ‘Pass’ Series cars are not to be confused with the ‘Pass’ Series cars built for the 1951 Empire Builder! Those cars did not have duplex rooms, so the upper level windows are not seen on those cars for the 1951 new Empire Builder. The 1951 new duplex cars were ‘River’ Series cars. Are you confused yet? That is another story!

There are two GN Sleepers in this release, and the first release of this version, duplex ‘Pass’ Series cars for the Western Star. The lettering boards reflect ‘Great Northern’.  

The Indian Pass is actually owned by the SP&S as seen in the upper corners of that car. So showing Great Northern in that cars lettering board was an anomaly for sure. See prototype photo here.

Important note, that at least one sleeper from the Western Star was transferred to and from the SP&S trains 3 & 4 in Spokane. So you will see these cars in Portland on those SP&S trains. See photo of Red Gap Pass in Portland!

Using our Pullman-Standard Plan 4119 car, these are classic cars and important to have if you are building the Western Star!