Baggage and Mail

PRR class Bc No. 5403 saw service on the Pennsy's fast passenger trains that ran between New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Chicago. It is typical of the wooden cars of the period with truss rod supports, coal stove heating, kerosene and/or gas lights and clerestory windows for ventilation. Of particular interest in the RPO section of this car is the gasoline light manufactured by the Frost Company. It is also equipped with open end platforms which were beginning to go out of style during this time period. The car was part of the wooden train displayed by the Pennsylvania Railroad at the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair to show people how far railroads had come in the few decades since wooden cars were the standard.
Details:
Baggage/Mai1 car Pennsylvania Railroad, No. 5403
Wooden Construction Penna. Railroad, Altoona Car Shops 11-1893
Class BC
Design adopted 1892
Length: 60' 5"
Width: 10' 1 1/4"
Height: 14' 1 3/8"
Weight: 35.5 Tons (71,000 lbs.)
Capacity: Mail - 16,000 lbs. Baggage - 20,000 lbs.