Presidential Railcar, U.S. Number 1 -The Ferdinand Magellan

[Tomasso]

The Ferdinand Magellan, used by Presidents Roosevelt, Truman and Eisenhower, is the only passenger railcar ever designated a National Historic Landmark.

Presidential dining room

Presidential stateroom

The Ferdinand Magellan in use:

Made for FDR and he loved to travel on the FM.

Arguably the FM's most famous moment.

Ike used the FM sparingly, preferring to use Air Force One.

 

[dhermann1]

Very cool! There was a time when a railroad car like this was essentially the rolling White House, I'm just finishing a section in my Thoedore Roosevelt bio, "Theodore Rex", where he's taken a several weeks long trip across the country, all the while living in his very sumptuous rail car. It was named The Elysium. The press had their own car, etc., just like the flying entourages of today. The great thing about a rail car, especially in the age of steam, was that the train HAD to stop every couple of hours to take on water, which afforded its passenger the chance to get out on the back platform and make a little speech to the gathered multitudes. Helped the chief executive stay in touch with the masses in a uniquely effective way.
Trains are a GOOOOD way to travel.

 

[David Conwill]

Ike used the FM sparingly, preferring to use Air Force One.

Not surprising, given that he also gave us the Interstate Highway System - for which I still haven't forgiven him.

Neat post. I'd like to visit this Gold Coast Railroad Museum.

-Dave

 

[Tomasso]

Keeping with the theme of Presidential rail travel.....

[video=youtube;P7fttpgp41A]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7fttpgp41A[/video]

 

[scotrace]

Wonderful!!

 

[dhermann1]

The whole secrecy thing with Roosevelt's condition is more subtle than explained here. It was a very well known fact that Roosevelt had polio. It had destroyed his very rapidly rising career in the early 20's. His comeback from the disease was also front page information. What was kept from the public was the severity of his handicap. He had a heavy set of leg braces that he used, and with one son holding one arm, and a secret service man, or some other sturdy individual holding the other, he could "walk" a few dozen yards, up a gently sloping ramp, to get to a lectern to make a speech. Likewise, he was able to stand to greet dignitaries for a fair amount of time, while newsreel photographers got shots of him doing so. But he seldom if ever let anyone get a shot of him in his wheel chair.
I believe the underground platform at the Waldorf Astoria was also use by other dignitaries. I know Gen. Douglas MacArthur, often used it, especially after his retirement, when he lived at the hotel.