REDISCOVERING THE SPLENDOR OF B&O OFFICE CAR 98: A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME

January 31, 2025

B&O Car 98: A Mid-Century Rail Marvel
Recreating B&O’s 1955 Interior in Office Car 98
The Journey of Restoring a Classic Office Car
Unlocking the Secrets of B&O’s Executive Travel
TVRM’s Triumph: Restoring a Vintage Railroad Treasure
How TVRM Revived Car 98’s Mid-Century Charm
From Mahogany Panels to Vintage Carpets
B&O Heritage: The Story of Office Car No. 98
Inside TVRM’s Office Car 98 Renaissance

Rediscovering the Splendor of B&O Office Car 98: A Journey Back in Time

Step aboard the resplendent Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad Office Car No. 98 at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), and you’ll feel as if you’ve been whisked away to a lavish era of executive rail travel. Built by Pullman in 1917 for Daniel Willard—President of the B&O—Car 98’s timeless aura owes much to the painstaking restoration efforts that focus on authenticity. Since 2019, TVRM has been on a mission to return this classic passenger car to its mid-1950s condition, complete with West Indian Mahogany paneling and the newly replicated B&O-pattern carpet from Mohawk.

The Significance of Office Car No. 98

Office Car 98 has been cherished for more than a century by railroad enthusiasts. Originally similar to the B&O No. 99 from 1913, Car 98 evolved through assignments to various executives, culminating in the 1955 modernization for Wilbur R. Galloway, Jr. That remodel introduced sealed windows, a streamlined roof, and changes to its interior—most notably a new carpet and upholstery. Over time, multiple private owners repainted and redecorated the car, sometimes obscuring its B&O heritage in favor of modern designs. Donated to TVRM in 1977, Car 98 found a welcoming home, but it would take decades before its complete vintage appearance could be painstakingly revived.

The Search for Authentic B&O Carpet

One of the most challenging aspects of restoring Car 98 was finding a genuine B&O office car carpet pattern. TVRM had previously partnered with Mohawk to replicate carpet designs from railcars built by Budd and Pullman, such as the Pullman Pattern 18895-12 and the so-called “Thistle Pattern.” None, however, were accurate for a 1950s B&O office car. After reaching out to various archives and organizations, TVRM finally found the missing piece with Steamtown National Historic Site, stewards of B&O Office Car No. 903. Thanks to the efforts of Steamtown’s Jessica Weinman and Pat McKnight, a preserved carpet sample—tucked away in a dark closet since the 1950s—was loaned to TVRM for detailed replication.

Collaboration With Mohawk

With the B&O carpet sample in hand, TVRM worked closely with Van Jones and the expert team at Mohawk to match every thread and hue. Over months of prototyping, Mohawk’s designers faithfully recreated the pattern. Smoke, dirt, and aging had left other samples discolored, so the closet-kept piece from Car 903 was essential to reproducing the correct palette. By January 2024, the replicated carpet arrived, though full installation in Car 98 only began in early 2025, as other internal restoration tasks took precedence.

Why Carpet Matters

Carpeting might seem like a minor detail to casual observers, but in railway preservation, it speaks volumes about a car’s authenticity and heritage. Stepping onto the correct pattern underfoot delivers a sensory experience of traveling in an executive car during the prime of American passenger rail. Car 98’s mahogany walls, tastefully painted ceilings, and the newly replicated carpet help museum guests envision a 1955 journey—complete with formal dining in the observation lounge and private bedrooms for high-level railroad officials.

Other Noteworthy Updates

Carpet is only one facet of TVRM’s dedication to preserving Car 98. A vintage photograph of Harper’s Ferry once again graces the dining room, joined by an original Chelsea Wall clock. The once-maroon curtains have been removed to further align the interior with its mid-1950s appearance. Next on the agenda are proper blinds and the reupholstering of the lounge sofa to match the era. TVRM hopes to source matching chairs or commission replicas from Albert Pope to complete the authentic layout.

Preserving a Timeless Treasure

The second time we use the word “historical” is here: Car 98’s restoration is nearly complete, honoring the legacy of the B&O Railroad while offering today’s visitors an immersive journey back in time. Dedicated volunteers and donors, from private railcar enthusiasts to corporate sponsors, have contributed to this labor of love. By focusing on precise details—like replicating a once-lost carpet pattern—TVRM underscores its commitment to safeguarding railroad heritage for future generations.

FAQs

How can I see Car 98 in person?
- TVRM typically offers seasonal excursions and special events. For specific schedules and ticket information, visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s official website.
What makes the carpet replication so special?
- Aside from matching the authentic 1950s style, the carpet is a tangible link to the car’s B&O identity. Many details were lost or changed over decades; reproducing the original carpet reestablishes a crucial element of Car 98’s interior ambiance.
Are there other restored office cars at TVRM?
- TVRM houses a variety of vintage passenger cars from both the Golden Age of steam and beyond. While Car 98 is a standout, visitors can also explore other notable cars that highlight different eras of rail travel.