Circa 1915, these boxcars hauled European and American troops in both world wars. Named “40 and 8” because they could carry up to 40 men or 8 horses.
The “Merci Train” Maryland Car
PLM Boxcar No. J57121
Built for the Paris, Lyons, & Mediterranean Railway (PLM) circa 1915.
After WW2, the United States sponsored a Friendship Train collecting food and supplies for the war-stricken people of France. Each car filled with a variety of gifts, such as French wine, family heirlooms, and art. In 1949, the French said “thank you” with the Gratitude or “Merci Train” displaying the coat of arms of French provinces and the “Merci Train” symbol. The flowers symbolized Flanders Field where many American soldiers were buried.
This specific boxcar, the “Merci Train,” was presented by the French National Railroads to the State of Maryland in gratitude for the help given to France by the American people. It current sits in the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.
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