#SAVETHEHOLLINSCOLLEGE
WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY
TO SAVE A PIECE OF HISTORY
THE LAST SURVIVING INTACT
NORFOLK AND WESTERN
ACF 12-4 SLEEPING CAR
WE'RE PARTNERING WITH
NORFOLK SOUTHERN,
THE HOOSIER VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM AND THE MORRISTOWN AND ERIE RAILWAY
TO PURCHASE, RESTORE, OPERATE AND PRESERVE THE CAR
The Wabash Era
Western Sunset
A 12-4 Sleeper, the car was built by the American Car & Foundry in January 1950 for the Wabash as the Western Sunset.
The Norfolk and Western Era
Hollins College
The car became a part of the Norfolk and Western in 1964 and operated as a revenue car until 1969. In 1971, the car was renumbered #90. In 1972, the car was assigned to Business Train Service, was renamed Hollins College and was renumbered #451.
The Norfolk Southern Era
NS 10
In 1984, the car was renumbered NS 10 and continued it's assignment in Business Train Service. (Photo Credit: Phil Miller)
The Royal Rail Era
Royal Knight
The car was sold by NS to Royal Rail in 1987. The entire fleet was sold to the Morristown and Erie Railway in the early 2000s.
Present Day
Now is the time to Save the Hollins College
The car has been stabilized by our partners at the Morristown and Erie Railway. We are ready to start writing a new chapter in the car's history!
2025 Inspection
Morristown, New Jersey
Click on the photo to open up a Google Photos album of the car.
The Board of Directors at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North
Judson, Indiana unanimously approved our request to establish their
museum as the home base for the restoration of the car.
3-5 YEAR DURATION, ESTIMATED COST: $250,000
(January 2026)
- Purchase the car (Phase 1A).
- Restore the air brake system (Phase 1B).
- Ship the car home (Phase 1B).
- Restore the interior of the car.
- Replace all of the windows with new glazing.
- Upgrade the 32V electrical system to 110/220/480V.
- Install HEP.
- Install a generator.
- Install a Microphor system.
- Service the HVAC systems.
- Restore the exterior to N&W Tuscan and Black.
Phase 1A:
Purchase the Hollins College
Launched 12/3/24 - Completed 9/10/25
$35,000.00
Amount needed to purchase
the Hollins College.
$10,000.00
Amount graciously granted
to us by Norfolk Southern.
191
Number of donations received
since Phase 1A launch.
$35,000.00
Total amount raised since Phase 1A launch.
Phase 1B:
Ship The Car Home To Indiana
Launched 9/10/25 -
Completed 12/19/25
$13,162.00
Amount needed to ship the
Hollins College home to Indiana.
968 out of 968
Number of miles adopted
since Phase 1B launch.
$13,162.00
Total amount raised since Phase 1B launch.
Phase 2:
Restore The Interior
Launched 12/19/25
$5,000.00
Amount graciously granted
to us by Norfolk Southern.
3
Number of donations received
since Phase 2 launch.
$5,038.42
Total amount raised since Phase 2 launch.
SUPPORT THE RESTORATION OF THE HOLLINS COLLEGE
We will officially purchase the historic
Hollins College on January 19, 2026, marking a major milestone in her preservation journey.
Once the paperwork is complete, this remarkable railcar will begin a 968-mile journey from New Jersey to North Judson, Indiana, where she will arrive at her home base of restoration at the
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.
We are actively raising funds
to bring the Hollins College back to life.
This is more than just a railcar—it is a moving piece of history with a powerful story to tell.
With your support,
we can carefully restore her to her former glory, ensuring she once again serves as a source of education, inspiration, and connection to our rich railroad heritage for generations to come.
Our Partners
