Pullman Years | Beebe Years | VCRail Years | Elegant Fare | Charles Clegg

1928 - 1954

The Virginia City was originally built by Pullman Standard Company in 1928, and was first christened as the Crystal Peak. Originally, the car was designed as an open platform, observation-lounge car with sleeping accommodations for ten, complete with a ladies, lounge and shower.

She was first assigned to the Overland Limited which ran between Oakland and Chicago. In 1936 the car was removed from service and air conditioning was added and the interior was updated. In 1938 the car was renamed the Golden Peak. From that time until the beginning of World War II, she served passengers on the Golden State Limited. During World War II, the car was removed from service. After the war, she returned again and ran on the Empire Builder for a brief time. In 1950, the Golden Peak was still listed as a Pullman-owned pool service car, and was available for charter and later, for purchase.