By Railfan & Railroad Staff

The Norfolk & Western Business Car 300 Preservation Society announced Tuesday that it was working to acquire the last surviving intact N&W American Car & Foundry 12-4 sleeping car from Morristown & Erie. 

The car was built in January 1950, for the Wabash Railroad. It joined the N&W fleet in 1964 and then was assigned to the railroad’s business train in 1972. It was there that it received the name Hollins College. 

 “The Hollins College is the last of its kind. Add to that the fact that it was used in Business Train Service with our Business Car 300 makes this rescue mission a perfect fit for our organization,” said Bryan Lalevee, president of the Norfolk & Western Business Car 300 Preservation Society.

The Norfolk & Western Business Car 300 Preservation Society has received a $10,000 grant from Norfolk Southern to help the non-profit acquire the car and send it to the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson, Ind., where it will be restored over the next few years. The non-profit has set an initial fundraising goal of $37,000, which will cover the remaining $25,000 needed to purchase the car and $12,000 to cover shipping the car to North Judson. The total restoration is expected to cost $250,000. 

“We are thrilled to be able to announce this partnership and to be able to write a new chapter in the car’s storied past. With the help of our loyal financial supporters and our amazing and talented volunteers, we can bring the Hollins College back to life. ” Lalevee said.

For more information, visit the Norfolk & Western Business Car 300 Preservation Society’s website.