Bob in the museum is amazing! This guy is loaded with historical data on both train cars it nearly blew my head off.
The first car you go through has a lot of really good info with the assistance of exhibits and historical memorabilia. You really learn how both cars played some sort of major role in U.S. history.
The second car...this is where things got really interesting. The fact that it was used by 5 presidents and mostly used by Roosevelt (who in my opinion was one of the greatest presidents we ever had). He spent the better part of 4 years using this car to travel. After the U.S. got involved in WWII, they built a bullet proof car for presidents to travel in but FDR preferred this one.
The craziest thing I learned was when FDR died, they transported the body by train. There were several cars connected and this car was right behind the bullet proof car. Truman who was the Vice President and now President, told Eleanor Roosevelt to travel in the bullet proof car with the body and he would take this car. He fealt she would be safer that way. In the back of the car there is a sort of meeting area where there is an original couch and chairs. You can't sit on the couch but you can sit on the chairs. As you're sitting there, think about what could have been discussed by Presidents and advisors right in that very room, in those very chairs. Well, thanks to Bob I found out that this is where Truman first learned about the research and building of the Atomic Bomb. Harry Stimson was the Secretary of War and decided Truman needed to know.
As some of you may know, the Manhattan project was started in 1939. FDR died April 12, 1945. Truman was immediately sworn in and told about the project April 24, 1945. The same day I am writing this review only 70 years earlier, right in this very spot. MIND BLOWN!!!
This all took place in the Roald Amundsen car thats at this park. I highly recommend seeing it for yourself. This has got to be not only a lessor known fact for the park but also for Scottsdale to have this amazing piece of history.