La Condesa at the SMVRR station siding.

La Condesa, a 1926 Pullman observation open platform car was donated to the museum by member, Gordon Crosthwait in June, 2006. Formerly Santa Fe no. 1512, it was one of five cars built as cafe-observation cars. As far as we know the car continued in this configuration for it's entire service life. La Condesa was purchased around 1966 for Finley Fun Time Tours and sold to Mr. Crosthwait in 1969. Even with several improvements to the car, in 1989 work commenced on refurbishing and further improving the car. The car was first based in Fresno and then later moved to Anaheim. After being stored in Fullerton near the Amtrak Station for many years, the car was recently moved in 2007 to Santa Maria Valley Railroad. At that location Museum members can continue to work on rehabiliton of the car. The car is also currently being used for private excursions and dinner trains on the SMVRR tracks.

La Condesa with SMVRR No. 1801 GP-9

This unique railcar is available for PRIVATE CHARTER on Santa Maria Valley Railroad. Contact the Museum by email or call 805-544-6531 for information.

The marker lights shine bright once again!

La Condesa Photo Album
Historic and Current Photos

History of La Condesa
A Brief History & Timeline

History of La Condesa Improvements
A Timeline of Car Improvements

La Condesa Floor Plans
Original Layout vs. Modern Layout

ATSF Cafe Observation Floor Plan
Original Car No. 1512 Blueprint, Drawn 11/1/43, Last Revised 5/29/57

Found Remnants of a Santa Fe Legacy
An Orignial Santa Fe Menu found under the Hallway Steam Pipes

La Condesa Newsletter Articles
Several recent newsletters chronicle the La Condesa move to its new location

La Condesa Comes to Santa Maria Valley Railroad
SMVRR, October 22, 2007

Friends Help with La Condesa Move
Friends of SMVRR, October 22, 2007

La Condesa Work Day with Friends
Friends of SMVRR, November 17, 2007

Media Day for La Condesa
SMVRR, November 21, 2007

A La Condesa Christmas
SMVRR, December 2, 2007

Friends Prepare for La Condesa Christmas
Friends of SMVRR, December 2, 2007

Valentines Day on La Condesa
Friends of SMVRR, February 14, 2007

La Condesa Available for Excursions on Santa Maria Valley Railroad
Perfect for Small Groups, Corporations, Meetings, Clubs, Friends... You name it!

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