iN PHOTOS: Shuswap man builds 50-foot 1890 antique train car replica
A classic car collector and former shop teacher in Sorrento turned a fifty foot container into an 1890 Pullman train car replica last fall.
Richard Lawrence dedicated hours of work over a year to create the antique car, and is having fun showing it to others.
“I’m guessing around 500 people have gone through the car so far, and they all really like it,” he said.
Lawrence has a long-time love for classic cars and used to drive a speeder on the railway for a summer job when he was a university student. The Notch Hill Express Railway car was initially supposed to be a hauler for his antique cars, but he turned it into a Pullman train car instead, adding mahogany plywood and boards, velvet curtains, tassels and a carpet specially made with a pattern from the era.
“These were the fancy train cars for millionaires to ride in,” he said. “Back then they didn’t have airplanes so the rich guys had their own private cars.”
The car is available for special occasions, weddings, high teas and special dinner events. Two big doors open on one side so music performers can use it as a stage. The car is attached to a semi so it can be moved around.
“We took it to Salmon Arm twice to two events and lots of people came in there,” Lawrence said. “All different people come see it and bring their friends back and take photos.”
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Lawrence said he is game to use the car for “whatever comes up,” he “just wants to have some fun.”
Click here to connect with Lawrence on social media.
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