Railroads

A new, $119,000 railroad communication car was delivered to the White House for use when President Harry S. Truman traveled by rail. The car was equipped with a variety of communications equipment, including radio telephone, radio teletype, and the latest code transmitters. In this car, President Truman was able to communicate instantaneously with the White House, military installations, ships at sea, or any foreign capital. The car was named the General Albert J. Myer. Major George J.

The White House received a new, $119,000 railroad communications car for the use of President Harry S. Truman when he traveled by rail. The car contained a variety of facilities, including radio telephone, radio teletype, and the latest equipment for code transmission and reception. The car was named the General Albert J. Myer, after the Army's first Chief Signal Officer. Major George J. McNally, Chief of the White House Signal Service, checks the control panel of the two 250 kilowatt diesel powered generators that supply power for the equipment. Donor: New York Herald Tribune

The power room of the Presidential communications car. Two huge diesel generators supplied power and current for the entire train while on a siding or in a station. Maintenance man S/Sgt. Richard S. Yordy of Lincoln, Nebraska checks equipment. Donor: New York Herald Tribune

President Harry S. Truman, wearing engineer's gloves, at the throttle aboard the diesel-powered train en route to Missouri with the President and Winston Churchill. After the train left Washington, President Truman went on a tour of inspection, including this visit to the engineer's spot. Donor: Houston Post

President Harry S. Truman speaking from the rear platform of the Presidential train during a 10-minute stop at Baltimore, Maryland. The man standing to the right of President Truman is possibly his secretary, Matthew Connelly. Probably from Truman Wing Collection.

President Harry S. Truman's train travels through Willard, MO, while on his trip to Bolivar, Missouri and back for the dedication of the statue of Simon Bolivar. Traveling with President Truman was President Romulo Gallegos of Venezuela.

President Harry S. Truman's train while on his trip to Bolivar, Missouri and back for the dedication of the statue of Simon Bolivar. Traveling with President Truman was President Romulo Gallegos of Venezuela.

The lounge compartment of President Harry S. Truman's special railroad car, in which he made the trip from Washington, D.C. to Detroit, Michigan for a Labor Day speech. Note the Presidential Seal on the wall (right). The car carried him to most parts of the United States in the 1948 election campaign. Donor: New York Herald Tribune

The dining compartment of President Harry S. Truman's special railroad car, in which he made the trip from Washington, D. C. to Detroit for a Labor Day speech. The car carried him to most parts of the United States in the 1948 Presidential election campaign. Donor: New York Herald Tribune

President Harry S. Truman's berth in his special railroad car, in which he made the trip from Washington, D. C. to Detroit for a Labor Day speech. A telephone on the dresser (right) provides him with direct communication with the White House when necessary. The car carried him to most parts of the United States in the 1948 election campaign. Donor: New York Herald Tribune