Caritas

Caritas is a beautifully preserved private railcar with a rich history and a refined modern purpose. Originally built in 1948 for the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway (Frisco) as Pullman sleeper No. 1450, the car featured 14 roomettes and 4 double bedrooms, providing first-class overnight accommodations during the golden years of passenger rail travel.

In the 1960s, No. 1450 was sold to Canadian National, where it was rebuilt from its original stainless fluted exterior into a smooth-side passenger car. A new chapter began in 1985 when the car entered private ownership and was officially renamed Caritas.

That same year, Caritas underwent an extensive renovation that transformed the interior for luxury private travel. Updates included a spacious lounge accommodating up to 18 daytime guests, enlarged rear-facing windows for breathtaking views, an open observation platform, a fully equipped kitchen with modern amenities, and comprehensive mechanical upgrades.

Today, Caritas is proudly owned by the Friends of the 261 and is a standout addition to the fleet. The car offers four double bedrooms and a master bedroom, providing comfortable overnight accommodations for up to 10 guests—perfect for hosting unforgettable rail journeys in classic style.