Milwaukee 502

Streamlined Coach

Milwaukee Road No. 502 was built in the company shops for the post-war Hiawathas. It was one of seventeen (498-514) built outshopped between January and February of 1948 for the Twin Cities, Midwest, and Chippewa Hiawathas. It had 52 seats, men's and women's lounges and restrooms, and steam-ejector air conditioning. The exterior featured smooth sides (a departure from pre-war rib-sided Milwaukee practice,) the round windows typical of the Milwaukee, and welded-on grab irons. The body was orange with red bands along the windows and the letterboard. The roof was grey, and the undercarriage black. By the vestibule door was a spiffy three-dimensional aluminum "Hiawatha" logo. The lettering was gold leaf with black trim. 502's inside was predominately blond woodwork, with polished aluminum "Hiawatha" logos on either side of the doors at the ends of the passenger compartment.

502 was acquired in trade for MTM's NP baggage car 234. It's exterior is currently purple because it was part of the "Purple Martin" train in Atlantic, Iowa.

As of September 2006, 502's broken windows are being replaced, and it is receiving a quick exterior paint job. Both with the intent of improving its looks and slowing down weather-related damage.

Sources:

1. "Milwaukee Road Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment, Vol 1," by Doug Nighswonger and William F. Stauss; data & photo p27.
2. "The Hiawatha Story," by Jim Scribbins; data p264.