In the late 1800s, railroads were spreading fast across North America. Trips that took days by stagecoach could now be completed in a few hours - and with far more relative comfort. Coach Cars were designed exclusively for passengers, while Baggage Cars were configured for transporting goods and mail. Other cars known as "Combines" were built to transport both passengers and cargo. In the early 20th century, steel "Heavyweight" cars became the standard, and most wood-sided cars were withdrawn by 1920. However, examples of these early passenger cars can still be found operating on excursion railroads across North America, inspiring tourists with the romance of travel in the Old West. This model represents a car of the Georgia-based Western & Atlantic Railroad; notorious in railroad history as the setting of the "Great Locomotive Chase" featuring the 4-4-0 locomotive the General, and later adapted into a popular movie.
