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The reason Voiture 410 is still going:
This Parade Locomotive was made by the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation for the Veterans group called the 40 and 8, Boxcar 410. It was made to commemorate the world war 1 French boxcars that were used to transport either 40 men or 8 horses.
We understand that every man (and horse) thought it was a miserable way to travel.
The Locomotive was built out of wood on a 1936/7 Nash Lafayette and covered with sheet metal. The Brass was donated by American Brass Company, Kenosha Works. Since it was made here in Kenosha, there’s a good chance that some of your parents or grandparents had a hand in its creation.
The original flat-head straight 8 engine was replaced in the 1970’s with an AMC Inline 6 258 CID AMC engine with 150 hp and 240 it. Ibs. of torque. The transmission is a Chrysler Torqueflite 727 Transmission which, according to some, is the best Muscle Car automatic ever built. The instrument panel gauge cluster is from a 1970 AMC Javelin. If you look close, the mechanism to pull the bell is a Chevy alternator bracket!
Please take a closer look. Maybe you can identify an odd part.
The purpose of our club is to promote the well being of veterans, their widows, widowers, and orphans, and to actively participate in selected charitable endeavors, which for our chapter is helping select nurses through their very expensive training. Your donations from the 50/50 raffle are going towards those charities.
To help with fundraising, Chief Engineer Tim Green and his
“Wrecking Crew” pulled the “choo-choo” (as he affectionately refers to it) out of the garage after sitting for 15 years. As a bonus tonight, Tim is going to give the winner of the 50/50 raffle a ride around the grounds.
Contact us for more information about membership and our programs.
Our Locomotive started life as a 1936 (or 37) Nash LaFayette
Re-birth: Civic Parade or Bust
40&8 Purpose
The Forty & Eight’s purpose is to uphold and defend the United States Constitution, to promote the well-being of veterans, their widows, widowers, and orphans, and to actively participate in selected charitable endeavors, which include programs such as child welfare and nurses training.
The Forty and Eight was founded in March, 1920, Their name comes from the French Army box cars used to transport American soldiers to the western front during World War I. Each car had “40-8” stenciled on the side, which meant that it could carry 40 men or 8 horses. The cars were known as “forty and eights” and viewed by the men as a miserable way to travel. The new organization was thus called the Forty and Eight in an attempt to make light of the common misery they had all shared.
There are many stories of how much world war 1 veterans deeply cared about the nurses of that war because of the hardships each group shared. One of the first programs initiated by the group was to help young woman become nurses.
We honor that tradition today with a modest stipend for Nurses in training.
Reviving History: The Resurrection of the 1938 Nash Lafayette 40 and 8 Locomotive
In the annals of automotive history, there exists a tale of ingenuity, wartime spirit, and a classic car’s transformation into a symbol of solidarity. The story begins in 1938 with a Nash Lafayette, a stylish automobile of its time, but it takes a fascinating turn in 1946 when it underwent a remarkable metamorphosis into a 40 and 8 locomotive. Now, in 2023, a dedicated team led by Chief Engineer and Mechanic Tim Green is embarking on a mission to restore and update this vintage marvel for a triumphant return to parades after a 12-year hiatus.
The Birth of the 40 and 8 Locomotive: A Wartime Transformation
In the aftermath of World War II, as nations were rebuilding and transitioning back to civilian life, a surge of creativity and resourcefulness emerged. One such manifestation of this spirit was the conversion of a 1938 Nash Lafayette into a 40 and 8 locomotive. The term “40 and 8” refers to the French railway cars used during the First World War, capable of carrying 40 men or 8 horses. It became a symbol of unity among veterans and a nod to the shared sacrifice during wartime.
Tim Green Takes the Lead: Chief Engineer on a Restoration Journey
Fast forward to the present day, and the resurrection of this unique vehicle is in the capable hands of Tim Green, an experienced chief engineer and mechanic with a passion for preserving automotive history. Tim brings not only technical expertise but also a deep appreciation for the stories these vintage vehicles carry with them.
“Restoring the 1938 Nash Lafayette 40 and 8 locomotive is not just a mechanical project for us; it’s a journey into the past,” says Tim Green. “Every bolt we turn, every piece we restore, is a connection to the ingenuity and spirit of those who came before us.”
Challenges and Triumphs: Breathing New Life into the Old Beast
The restoration process poses its share of challenges, from sourcing authentic parts to delicately handling a vehicle with a unique historical identity. The team, however, is undeterred, fueled by the belief that this locomotive deserves to once again grace the streets, paying homage to the era that birthed it.
Updates include a meticulous overhaul of the engine, attention to the authenticity of the exterior design, and ensuring that the 40 and 8 locomotive meets modern safety standards while retaining its vintage charm. The goal is not just to make it run but to make it roar with the same spirit that led to its creation.
A Triumphant Return: Rolling Down Memory Lane in Parades
As the restoration project nears completion, anticipation builds for the grand return of the 1938 Nash Lafayette 40 and 8 locomotive to the parade circuit. Enthusiasts, historians, and the community at large eagerly await the opportunity to witness this unique piece of history rolling down the streets once again.
The restored locomotive will not only be a testament to the craftsmanship of its time but also a living testament to the dedication of Tim Green and his team. Their efforts are not merely about restoring a vehicle; they are preserving a chapter of history, ensuring that the 40 and 8 locomotive continues to captivate and inspire for generations to come.
In a world where the present rushes forward, the restoration of the 1938 Nash Lafayette 40 and 8 locomotive serves as a poignant reminder to pause, reflect, and celebrate the enduring legacy of our automotive heritage.
Why Locomotives
Kenosha’s very own Locomotive since Sept 1941
Through the years
Some Locomotives didn’t have Tim Green around…
