Hello all- I've a question for the experienced people out there; but first, some background. I'm planning to convert a Pullman car to be a home. I've already run into the problems with zoning boards, etc; those are being solved. The propblem that I find now is that the Pullmans that I can afford all have the strong potential of minor little problems like sills completely rusted out ($90,000 repair! ). So, I'm wondering this: would it be possible to buy a flatcar and build the upper portion of a Pullman on it? I understand that this will be no small task, but building I can do. Deep train mechanic-work, I can't do. So if the flatcar-to-Pullman idea is possible, I come out ahead. So, what do you think? Thank you!
Sounds like more project than I'd take on. Seriously though, the flat car idea sounds good but if you're going to build a replica (ie. not a 'true') Pullman, would you be better off to start with a lighter, easier to move base such as a heavy mobile home frame with RR trucks parked under it? The logistics of buying and handling a flat car alone would probably be pretty steep, plus you may end up with car repair anyway. I haven't seen many older flats that were in very good shape. Just an idea. Keep us posted.
The advantage of the flatcar is that it is already a traincar- I do want this to be interchangable, not just a static 'display' car.
You mean you might wish to pull your "house" out on a main line to another location once built? If so, wouldn't that mean your "flatcar" would have to meet road specs, and class the "Pullman shell" as the load? You may not live long enough to obtain all the clearences necessary for this. Maybe it would be faster and eventually cheaper to just buy a Palace Car and live in it. And I thought I had big ideas!
Alas, I hadn't thought about all the clearances! I'll keep saving pennies and looking at Pullmans, then
Oh, now I get it! I guess I thought this was a static kind of thing but you want it to roll. Sorry 'bout that but I missed the point. Keep us posted, 'Hammer and good luck.
Dreaming is free So far, dreaming's all I can afford. With our fine, thriving economy I'm not managing to put aside much towards things more frivolous than rent and the occasional food. But I will certainly post my progress as it happens. Thank you all for the advice.
