SUPPORT THE PURCHASE OF THE 409
Our goal is to return 409 to operating condition, where she will provide electrical power for Business Car 300 and the Hollins College.
We will also preserve and restore the car’s air brake instruction classroom, honoring an important second chapter in 409’s history. Once restored, the classroom will once again serve as an educational tool, providing our guests with a unique opportunity to learn about air brake technology, operation, and safety practices that have shaped the railroad industry.
#SAVETHE409
We are thrilled to announce that the Norfolk and Western Business Car 300 Preservation Society has reached an agreement to acquire Norfolk and Western Power Car 409!
Built in 1934 and rebuilt in 1972 to serve the Norfolk & Western Executive Train, 409 will be reunited with Business Car 300 and the Hollins College for the first time in nearly 40 years.
Moving the Mail
160
Built as a Railway Post Office car by the St. Louis Car Company in 1934 for the Chesapeake and Ohio, later sold to the New Jersey, Indiana & Illinois Railway, then to the Wabash, it became a part of the Norfolk and Western and was renumbered 160 in 1967.
Conversion to a Power Car
409
The car was converted to a Power Car at the East End Car Shops in Roanoke, Virginia in 1972 and was used in MOW service.
The Addition of an Air Brake Instruction Classroom
409
In 1979, an Air Brake Instruction Classroom was added to the car. In 1980, the car was repainted in Tuscan and Black at Roanoke. Along with serving as a mobile classroom, the car was also used as a Power Car into the Norfolk Southern era, providing power to Maintenance Instruction Car 40.
The Nashville and Eastern Era
409
The car was sold by NS to the Nashville and Eastern in 1987 where it operated in service until being donated to the Tennessee Central Railway Museum.
Present Day
It's time to #SaveThe409
Our goal is simple: restore 409 to operating condition and return her to the rails where she belongs. This acquisition brings us one step closer to creating a historically accurate, operating Norfolk and Western Executive Train.
Inspection
Nashville, Tennessee
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.
1-3 YEAR DURATION, ESTIMATED COST: $95,000
- Purchase the car.
- Restore the air brake system.
- Ship the car home.
- Restore/upgrade the generator.
- Restore the air brake classroom.
- Repair the carbody corners.
- Repair the side doors.
- Restore the exterior to N&W Tuscan and Black.
Phase 1A:
Purchase the 409
Launched 08/21/26 - Deadline: 2/20/27
$15,000.00
Amount graciously granted
to us by Norfolk Southern.
0
Number of donations received
during Phase 1A.
$23,000.00
Amount needed to cover the purchase,
air brake work and insurance.
$15,000.00
Total amount raised during Phase 1A.
Our Partners
MAKE A DONATION
Our preservation efforts are funded entirely through memberships, ticket sales and especially grants and private donations. Each donation makes a tremendous impact!
BE A VOLUNTEER
Memberships strengthen the backbone of our organization and directly support the operation and preservation of 300.