In 1945, the Central of Georgia Railway took delivery of six baggage-express cars (CG 453–458) and two baggage-mail cars (CG 473–474) from American Car & Foundry. These smoothside lightweight cars were painted in a new, attractive blue and gray paint scheme. Two years later, in 1947, ten more cars were delivered in that same scheme (open coaches Nos. 660–663, partitioned coaches Nos. 540–543, buffet-lounge No. 690, and coach-baggage No. 390). Some of these cars were for use in the Nancy Hanks II, although others were used on other trains as needed.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), located in Chattanooga, Tenn., has several former CofGa passenger cars, including some originally delivered in the blue and gray scheme. The museum has recently announced that it will begin painting some equipment in the paint schemes of the predecessor railroads. One of the first cars slated for repainting under this new policy is former CofGa coach-baggage car No. 390.
Used on the CofGa’s Nancy Hanks II, No. 390 is currently undergoing major repairs at TVRM and is to be ready for the “Santa Claus Special” this Christmas season. However, current plans are to use it in primer colors for this season’s operations, receiving a “finish” coat of paint in the spring.
Collection of the Central of Georgia Railway Historical Society
In recent years, CofGa No. 390 has been painted Pullman green and lettered for Southern Railway. However, there is significant in interest in returning it to its original blue and gray paint scheme. To do this will require approximately $5,000 additional funds, due to the more complex paint scheme. TVRM has created a special account for this purpose titled “Central of Georgia Repaints” and is currently accepting donations which will be used for this purpose only.
Depending on the funds raised, three other former CofGa cars owned by TVRM will also be considered for repainting into their former schemes. These cars are CG 528 (modernized heavyweight coach once painted aluminum with shadow line strips for operation in the Man O’ War and Illinois Central orange and chocolate for operation in the Seminole), and CG 543 and 661 (coaches built in 1947 by ACF along with 390 for the Nancy Hanks II). All four of these cars are in operation and in good condition.
Collection of W. E. Mims
To have these other cars painted in CofGa blue and gray will require enough contributions to cover the additional costs of the more complex scheme. TVRM is seeking donations from anyone interested in seeing these cars returned to their original schemes.
If you’d like to help, here’s how:
- If sending a check, make it payable to TVRM or Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Please include “Central of Georgia Repaints” on the memo line on the check.
- If payment is coming from a donor advised fund or a brokerage account (QCD, for instance), be sure to enter “Central of Georgia Repaints” in the restrictions box.
- If your employer offers matching funds for donations, please be sure to apply for those and include “Central of Georgia Repaints” in the restrictions box
All donations should be sent to:
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
4119 Cromwell Road
Chattanooga, TN 37421-2119
TVRM is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 educational organization. All donations are tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor for details.
Collection of Charlie Poling
Collection of Charlie Poling
