1040 - AL class Pullman sleeping car

AL class Pullman sleeping car

Built: 1901

Builder: New South Wales Railways, Eveleigh

Current status: Static display

In the early 1890s, the New South Wales Railways underwent a major facelift to improve their public image. Amongst the sweeping changes was the introduction of Pullman sleeping cars, providing far more comfort on the long journeys across the state. The Pullman Palace Car Company of America were contracted to provide eight 28-berth sleeping cars, which were then assembled in Australia. In the late 1890s, a further 4 sleeping cars and 6 similarly shaped sitting cars were built.

 The smaller, 20-berth AL class was introduced in 1901 to serve on overnight mail trains. A total of 3 were built, and they worked regularly until the 1930s, when newer, larger sleeping cars displaced them.

AL1040, along with sister car AL1039, were internally rebuilt as mobile dental clinics, travelling throughout regional NSW to provide dental care for people eligible to receive government dental services. In this configuration it was known as DC 1040. In 1966, the onboard generator in AL1040 caused a fire which damaged one of the end platforms. Given the age of the carriage, the decision was taken not to repair it. AL1040, along with AL1039, was stored at Enfield and later Goulburn, until being purchased by Canberra Railway Museum. AL1039 still exists in private hands and the third AL1041 was scrapped.

 After a long period in storage, restoration began in 2002. The work involved included recreating the original pressed metal ceilings, red cedar timberwork, and the fine white upholstery. Very little of the original interior was left over from its dental clinic conversion, and this project has been a significant and impressive undertaking by a small group of our members.