Builder: SP (Originally Pullman). Year Built: 1940 (1912)

Southern Pacific club-lounge car #2979 was originally built in 1912 by Pullman Car Company as a baggage-club car. This car was one of six cars (#2975-#2980) converted to a 54-seat club-lounge configuration in 1940. These cars were used in premiere trains such as the Overland, the Lark, and the Cascade.

The #2979 has comfortable lounge seats with tables where you can enjoy spirits, a light meal, or a game of cards. In the center of the car is a circular mahoghany beverage bar, framed by etched glass and mirrors. The car also features customized SP ashtrays with heavy bases so that they will not tip during travel.

These cars were used frequently as protection cars for diners such as the triple diner Cascade Club. Whenever the diner was out of commission, a club-lounge car would be paired with a rebuilt heavyweight diner to provide comparable meal service for the train.

The #2979 club-lounge car is in good shape inside, but needs some exterior and structural work. The GGRM is planning to refurbish this magnificent car to its former elegance.