Architecture

WWII-era US military train pressed into service as guest house

WWII-era US military train pressed into service as guest house
Platform 1346 was originally made in 1942 for use during World War II
Platform 1346 was originally made in 1942 for use during World War II
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Platform 1346's kitchen includes a breakfast bar
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Platform 1346's kitchen includes a breakfast bar
Platform 1346 has a small office area with drop-down desk
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Platform 1346 has a small office area with drop-down desk
The decor is nicely done and suits the space
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The decor is nicely done and suits the space 
Platform 1346 was originally made in 1942 for use during World War II
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Platform 1346 was originally made in 1942 for use during World War II
Platform 1346 features a small deck area
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Platform 1346 features a small deck area
Platform 1346's interior is largely taken up by a living space
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Platform 1346's interior is largely taken up by a living space
Platform 1346 includes a generously-proportioned kitchen
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Platform 1346 includes a generously-proportioned kitchen
Platform 1346 features a drop-down Murphy-style bed
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Platform 1346 features a drop-down Murphy-style bed
Platform 1346 was originally constructed in 1942
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Platform 1346 was originally constructed in 1942
View gallery - 9 images

This former military train car is over 70 years old and has an interesting history that includes it being used during World War II and the Cold War. Now installed on some rural land in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Maryville, Tennessee, it has been painstakingly renovated into a guest house and is available to rent on Airbnb.

The wagon was made in 1942 and served as a kitchen car for US army cooks while troops were transported throughout the country for the war effort. After WWII it was mothballed then pressed back into service during the Cold War to carry computers and communication gear.

Finally retired in 1998, the train lay unused until it was purchased in a military surplus auction by a Lieutenant Colonel who installed it on his own property. He had plans for it, but ended up getting divorced and his home, train car included, passed to its current owners.

Platform 1346's interior is largely taken up by a living space
Platform 1346's interior is largely taken up by a living space

The new owners hit on the idea of turning the train into guest accommodation and named it Platform 1346. It took around eight months for them to strip it out and source the new furniture and sort out the wiring and plumbing, but the end result is very well done and the decor is a nice fit for the space.

Still finished in military green, Platform 1346 is accessed by steps on its front and end entrances and also has a small deck area outside. Its interior is mostly taken up by a large open living space with a well-stocked kitchen and a breakfast bar, plus a nearby living room with a sofa bed and a small office nook with a drop-down desk. A Murphy-style bed turns this nook into a bedroom.

Platform 1346 features a drop-down Murphy-style bed
Platform 1346 features a drop-down Murphy-style bed

At the far end is a bathroom with a bath/shower, sink and toilet that's accessed by barn-style sliding door.

Platform 1346 is now available to rent on Airbnb.

Source: Airbnb

View gallery - 9 images
1 comment
1 comment
ljaques
"painstakingly renovated" Yeah, no doubt they spent months on the lovely flooring. Feh! It really saddens me to think that someone considers that a finished project. "Renovate" means restoring it to as-new (or newer) condition. Well, at least it's only $131 a night.