John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust

Pacific Railroad Society is pleased to announce a $15,000 grant from the John H. Emery Rail Heritage Trust for mechanical work on the former Union Pacific 6-4-6 Pullman car, the National Forum. John Emery, a long-time Chicago resident and avid rail enthusiast, loved to ride trains around the world, and wanted to help preserve rail equipment and infrastructure to allow future generations to share his experiences of “Golden Age” of railway travel from 1920 to 1960.

Pacific Railroad Society will use the grant to refurbish the air brakes, bearings, and other mechanical items required by Amtrak to maintain the National Forum in Amtrak operational service. The Society plans to operate the National Forum on Fall 2022 excursions between Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Luis Obispo once the repairs are completed.