Southern Railway 3158/"Travelers Fare"

Dining in Elegance: The Journey of Southern Railway’s ‘Travelers Fare’ Dining Car

“Travelers Fare,” or Southern Railway 3158, is a notable heavyweight dining car crafted by the Pullman Company in 1924, specifically for the Southern Railway. It continued its service to the Southern Railway up until 1968, when it was generously donated to TVRM.

Upon its construction, the car was a stunning reflection of the 1920s, with open windows, a clerestory roof, and exquisite fixtures. The interior was laid out with a combination of two-person tables on one side and four-person tables on the other.

Over the years, the Southern Railway made several updates to the car, with the last significant modifications occurring in the late 1940s. These changes included the removal of the clerestory roof for a more streamlined, rounded top, along with the addition of heating and air conditioning. The open windows were sealed, and the seating arrangement was altered to include four-person tables throughout.

Today, the 3158 continues to be a part of TVRM’s longer excursions, delighting passengers with its onboard meal service. Unlike many museums that rely on off-site catering, TVRM takes pride in preparing all meals onboard the 3158 using fresh ingredients.

A meal in the “Travelers Fare” is more than just dining; it’s an experience that transports passengers back to an era when railroad cuisine was an art form, making every passenger feel like first class.