Article #96: Southern Railway Baggage Cart #71445 Southeastern Narrow Gauge & Shortline Museum (November 15, 2025)

 

In this new article we will be taking a closer look at Southern Railway baggage cart #71445 which is now preserved at the Southeastern Narrow Gauge & Shortline Museum in Newton, NC.

Baggage carts were very vital back in the day. They could be seen at most passenger stations across the country. As railroads began to grow over time, being able to move luggage and goods became a crucial thing. 

The early railroad carts were utilitarian, meaning that they were made of wood and they included metal parts which were designed to be the height of the baggage car floor. This led to loading and unloading that was easy. 

The key functions of a baggage cart would include transporting things like bags and suitcases of passengers, moving parcels and freight, as well as handling the mail that came in between stations and the mail cars.

This cart was restored in 2012 and has been at the museum for a long time now. It is one of two carts at the museum.