On April 6, 1960, the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce operated a special train on a “goodwill tour” from Little Rock to Houston, Texas, via Missouri Pacific. Operating as passenger extra 8032 south, the special departed Little Rock at 708am on April 6 with the following consist:

MP 8032 – Alco PA
MP 8025 – Alco PA
MP 4220 – HW baggage car with electric lights and barred side doors
Madison Square – 6cpt 3DR Pullman LR-1 (PRR colors)
Glen Grove – 6cpt 3DR Pullman LR-2 (Pullman pool, two-tone grey)
Times Square – 6cpt 3DR Pullman LR-3 (PRR colors)
Glen Huron – 6cpt 3DR Pullman LR-4 (Pullman pool, two-tone grey)
MP 10242 – 48 seat HW diner-lounge (Eagle colors)
MP 743 – 50 seat LW diner-lounge (Eagle colors)
Oak Hills – 12rmt 1SR 4DBR Pullman LR-5 (Pullman pool, two tone grey)
Pershing Square – 6cpt 3 DR Pullman LR-6 (PRR colors)
Oak Wood – 12rmt 1SR 4DBR Pullman LR-7 (Pullman pool, two tone grey)

The special returned north on April 9th, arriving in Little Rock at 10:30am. The consist and car order was identical; locomotives were MP 8035 and MP 8031.

The financial details: minimum of 150 round trip adult rail fares @ $35.80 each plus tax. Baggage car to be placed in Houston at accessible location, storage charge of $10/day ($20 total). Sleepers were to be placed for occupancy at Houston by 9:30pm April 8th (scheduled departure 12:30am April 9th). Southbound, the party was to be served a $5.50 steak luncheon in diners, and northbound served a $1.85 breakfast, with passengers signing tickets and a total billing presented to the Chamber of Commerce. Undoubtedly these two cars also served a lounge function with sale of alcoholic beverages outside of meal periods to further boost revenue.

Bill Pollard