The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-02-21
A MAGNIFICENT PRIVATE CAR
Constructed for General Man
ager Sands,
or the Norfolk and Western RniIrond-Thc
Work Done ut the Roanoke Machine
Works-Thc Iandsomest Car Ever
Built in the South-S15, 900 the Cost
Exclusive of the Costly Furniture.

now receiving the finishing touches at
tho Roanoke Machine Works.
1t is Norfolk and Western special
No. ,, and is built for General Manager
Joseph Ii. Sands private use. The
work was begun in August last and con-
tinued with unabating energy, and now
it presents model of ncatncss, dura-
bility and magniticcnco nearly COM
plcte.
The trucks of the car arc after the
pattern of the Pullman slcepers, with
six wheels each and steel axlcs. Tho
wheels arc paper with the best steel
tire and hangc.
The bottom of the car is built of vel
low pine. except the end stills, which
are of the best whito oak, and the
whole is strengthened by six large
truss rods running the entire length of
the car. The floor is laid diagonally
with two layers of 1-inch yellow pine
The frame work above, including the
window posts and carlins, is Of solid ash
Tho panels and letter boards on the
outside. arc poplar, and the whole ex-
terror is painted in the company's
standard color-Tuscan rcd, lined and
lcttered in gold and black
The interior finish is of Indiana quar-
tered oak, and the sides are ornamcntcd
with some beautiful designs of carving
The panel work is perfect fitting in the
grooves of the stiles and mullions with
the utmost accuracy. All the window
sashes work easily, and tit so close that
not particle of dust can penetrate. The
parlor is located in one end and is SIN
E,,s-l Ill
ornamentcd with silver mounted lirht
fixtures The floor is covered with car
bon blue Wilton capct of the finest tex
ture. There are also two large bevelcd
edge mirrors, one l2X4l, and the other,
34Ni7 inches. The deck, or head lining,
Is OF SILK incur, while the window shades
are OF bottle green silk with fringe tas-
sells. The parlor is lighted by two
large frost lights and two side bracket
oil lamps.
Tho statcroom and private sleeping
apartment are cut of from the rest of
the car by corridor. This room is fur.
nished in elegant style, with secretary,
bcdstead and chairs in antique oak. At
one end is the bath room furnished and
arranged with all the latest improve
ments and supplied with hot and cold
water Several large French pla to mir
rors decorate the walls, while the
drapcry and curtains arc of brocadc silk
plush.
The dining room is furnished in the
same style. The seats arc upholstered
i'll seal brown silk plush. The curtains
are crimson silk plush and are loopcd
back by heavy silks cords and tasscls.
The furniture Of this room is unique.
Bctwccn the seats portable tables are
arranged for dining purposes. and on
being removed the whole is easily con
verified into sleeping compartment.
This room will comfortly accommodate
sixteen persons.
The kitchen is Il model Of convenience,
being furnished with Stcarns improved
| cooking range. and is aided by Baker
heater. Hot and cold water is provided
throughout this compartment from Il
large copper tank overhead. 1t is also
provided with bcrths for the cook and
porter. The CHINA cases are lined with
plush and velvet, and arc arranged with
view to ncatncss and convenience.
TO 90 into a full explanation of the
details of the master sample of work
manship would require more time than
the reporter could spare, but suffice it to
say that 1T is the finest car ever built in
the South. The finishing touches are
being put on with great care, and when
the carpets are all laid the drapery,
lambrekins and curtains placed in po-
stion it will have the appearance of the
most elegant palace parlor
The length of time, together with the
advantages of the most improved ma
chincry, the number of men employed
| is itself sufficient evidence of the cXccll-
cncc of the work. The estimated cost
is $4,000, not counting numerous ar
engagements and furniture not men
! toned
The car is also provided throughout
with electric bells and has Il battery for
tclegraphing and arranged To connect
with tho wires at any point along tho
road
The building of this car has been un-
der the Immediate supervision of John
Well and his assistant. II. Il. Stoutfer,
the latter mostly directing the work,
and the former planning the designs
and conceiving tho intricate details
full masterpiece, bearing tho imprnts
| OF the master artist and the Skilled
mechanic.
The management Of the Roanoke Ma
chine Works can well feel proud that in
their employ they have men whose
work will well bear the test of the most
careful inspector.
Washington's birthday.
Tho anniversary of Washington's
birthday falls on Sunday this year Tho
celebration of the day will take place
Monday, which will be observed as a
national holiday. The National banks
will be closed Monday. but no further
celebration of the day in Roanoke has