40 and 8 Boxcars

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

http://www.rypn.org/Merci/

Enjoy!

Andy Jennings
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org 
  To: NW Mailing List 
  Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2005 11:22 PM
  Subject: Re: 40 and 8 Boxcars


  Hi Al, you are correct about the 40&8 meaning 40 men or 8 horses, but I think that I would hate to be one of those 40 men crammed into that tiny car!



  I have not been able to find one site that gives a comprehensive list of all of the 40&8 cars.  I have seen all of the ones discussed to date - Welch, Spencer, & Newport News, but that is absolutely all that I know about.  I too would be curious to learn if there is a comprehensive list.



  Jerry


    -------------- Original message from nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org: -------------- 


    Jerry Kay, et. al.,

    Does anyone know of a resource giving the current status of all of the original "Merci" (40 Hommes/Chevaux) boxcars?

    Although I have often read these cars were called "forty and eights" by the doughboys, I assume it meant 40 men or 8 horses.

    Albert Burckard

    ---------Original Message ----- 
      From: nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org 
      To: NW Mailing List 
      Sent: Saturday, September 17, 2005 12:44 AM
      Subject: Unique U.S. Rail History


      Virginia's 40&8 car is located at the Virginia War Museum in Newport News.  It is the featured item in an exhibit called "Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation".



      This exhibit commemorates the role of the Hampton Roads region of Southeast Virginia during World Wars I and II as a center of activity for numerous paramilitary organizations and as a hub for the movement of millions of troops. The focal point of the exhibit is the railway boxcar that houses it; one of the finest remaining examples of a "Merci" Train boxcar (40/8) - one "Merci" boxcar was given to each of the States of the Union after World War One to show appreciation of American sacrifices in an effort to help protect France from the Central Powers. It was rededicated after World War Two. 



      Jerry Kay




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