Taking on the restoration of a special car like the #502 requires having a solid plan in place and finding skilled workers capable of doing the car justice. The project will be a collaboration between the Winslow Arts Trust (owner of the car) and Affeldt Mion Museum.
While the total project cost will be hefty, the rarity of the #502 justifies the investment. The #502 is more than a static display; it is a “full-circle” historical asset. During its active service, this car frequently stopped at the very Mary Colter-designed depot where it now resides. By opening the #502 to the public as a flagship exhibit of the Affeldt Mion Museum, we create a premier destination for Route 66 travelers, Fred Harvey historians, and international rail enthusiasts. This restoration will preserve the legacy of the Turquoise Room—the world’s only private dining room on rails and namesake to La Posada’s restaurant—ensuring that the elegance of the Santa Fe Railway remains a tangible, educational experience for future generations.
Planning Ideation
On March 12, 2026, LPH/AMM owner Allan Affeldt met with Richard Tower (Project lead for Winslow Arts Trust), Dan Lutzick (Special Projects manager for La Posada/AMM), and Lori Bentley Law (Creative Director Affeldt Mion Properties) to determine the steps needed to preserve the #502 and get the exhibit open to the public.
The Need: After decades of service and subsequent private ownership—including a tenure in Mexico’s Copper Canyon—the #502 requires urgent stabilization and specialized restoration, including protection from the elements and repair of leaky window frames.
The Goal: We plan to focus on a hybrid approach for the #502: restore the aesthetics/appearance as much as practical and affordable, while replacing operating systems for efficiency and ease of maintenance/repair. The aesthetic restoration will be to the 1957 Santa Fe rework of the car, with the aim to be as true as possible to that era’s styling (while also considering financial feasibility) with the eventual goal of opening the car to the public.
Phase One of the project addresses critical needs including: inspection and restoration plan development, environmental protection, public access and code compliance, structural stabilization, electrical and security, and interpretation.
Phase Two aims to recreate the peak 1950s Super Chief experience—the “Train of the Stars.” This involves a meticulous curatorial effort to reproduce period-correct textiles and furnishings, reinstalling the decorative divider wall in the main lounge, and sourcing era-appropriate ephemera.
Next Steps
In February (2026), artisan John Suttman began installing the custom railing needed to meet code compliance for allowing guests onto the viewing platform. The goal is to complete this project by the end of April.
In March (2026), Dan Lutzick led a team in doing a general cleanup of the car’s interior, including vacuuming and shampooing the cards, and cleaning the wood trim.
In April (2026), we have scheduled an inspection with a rail expert to help guide us along the most logical path to stabilized the #502.
We have estimates underway for a shade canopy and masonry work including building a ramp for access to the platform, as well as exterior interpretation for our guests.
From there, we begin the work.
Timeline
It is difficult to give a date on when this exhibit will open. It is dependent on finding the right people to do the work. Our plan is to open in phases. At the completion of Phase One (stabilization and access), we hope to allow guests onto the platform for a closer view of the exterior,
Support
As we mentioned, this will be a pricey undertaking. If you are interested in supporting the project, you can make a tax deductible donation to the Winslow Arts Trust. We thank you for helping to preserve this extraordinary piece of railroad history.
