The Train, The Train!
(Some of you wanted to see more....so) Ringling Brothers Circus today uses two trains that travel simultaneously. Back in the 1950's there were three giant train systems: the first section being 22 cars with tents and poles and workers, the second section of 28 cars carried the ushers, canvasmen, and side show workers, the third section was 19 cars long and included the sleeper cars. After merging with Barnum and Bailey the trains consisted of 100 double-length railroad cars transporting 1,200 employees, and was arguably the largest traveling amusement enterprise up to that time.
Only a very small portion of the older train is in the museum - personal travel cars of John Ringling and his staff.
No expense was spared for decor!
Looking down the train from the back end.
Above is the lounge where John and his wife read and listened to music and watched the U.S. go by. Such luxury !
The bedroom.
The kitchen was very efficient and the cook prepared complete meals.
The bathroom...with actual bath!! Since they had to have access to water for the animals, I guess bringing/getting water for a bath was not that difficult.
Interesting, they traveled in style.
ReplyDeleteI like traveling by train when time permits.
That is really cool. I'd love to have a private train to travel the country.
ReplyDeleteI've loved your posts on the circus train, and this is really a fascinating tour of the main car for the boss. I'm sure it was considered pretty luxurious at the time. But what a life.
ReplyDeleteIn that last picture it looks like the tiger is real and in another compartment. Fun pic.
ReplyDeleteAnd what excitement when they rolled into your town! Fascinating look at the history of a circus.
ReplyDeleteA very interesting read and some useful information you've given us here. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
Talk about bygone days! I love this kind of stuff.
ReplyDeleteBom dia, é uma relíquia que muita historia tem sem seu segredo, as maquinas antigas fazem parte da historia que se deve manter viva. as fotos são de qualidade e com muita beleza.
ReplyDeleteAG
When the circus comes to town, they pull up in our old town area and parade to the sports arena. The trains today look old and the paint looks oxidized. The whole looks tired.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally amazed! They certainly spared no expense in their traveling comfort.
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