Converting Rail Cars Into Tiny Homes
I love the idea of converting rail cars into a tiny homes. Railroads ignite the dreams of yesteryear, new opportunities, and pursuing life’s dreams. 
Would train cars really make viable tiny homes?
You see abandoned rail cars along side the road as you travel the country and think, “Yeah, that would make a cute tiny home.” I agree.
But you would really need that special love of trains to overcome some difficulties inherent in restoring rail cars.
The obstacles to converting a rail car into a tiny home
- They typically weigh 10 tons.
- Professional movers are required to get them to their permanent location.
- Rail cars require a solid foundation on which to rest. Creating an imitation railroad bed must be done right.
- When you find them, they are usually in very poor condition and require major restoration efforts.
- Restoration is a slow, costly labor of love.
- The walls, ceiling, and floors are very thin so you’ll have to do some clever framing to increase the insulation.
- You might not get a Certificate Of Occupancy, depending on your town.
The Whistle Stop Bed & Breakfast
Jan and Roger Lee opened the Whistle Stop B&B in 2003 in New York Mills, Minnesota, after finding out the home they bought was right next to the railroad tracks. Trains come by and blow their whistle every 24 minutes.
Rather than fight ’em, they joined the community of railroad enthusiasts and themed their 1909 house with antique railroad decor. They then bought and restored two train cars and a caboose for guests to rent. That’s their caboose at the top of the page. It took about a year and $100k to restore each car to it’s original splendor.
This tiny town was excited to have the added attraction of a unique B&B. The building permit was just $25.00, and the only thing that required an inspection was the electrical wiring.
Call them to reserve a stay in turn-of-the-century luxury with modern amenities. The newest addition to the train cars is called the Viking. It features a double whirlpool / private bath, A/C and ceiling fans, queen size bed, flat screen TV, wet bar, 2 person sauna, stand up shower in the hot tub, refrigerator, microwave, and DVD/VCR with cable TV. The decor includes a free-standing fireplace, floral carpeting and mahogany paneling. Upon request, breakfast is delivered to coach. Pretty nice.
Visit their website for more information and pictures of the restoration process.
Purchasing a Railroad Car to Convert Into a Tiny Home
There are a few railroad car vendors in the United States. David Thebobo of Rail Merchants International is one such vendor. David is connected to most of the railroad buffs. He can find you exactly what you want.
Taking Advantage of Unexpected Opportunity
Here is a YouTube® video from Living Big In A Tiny House, highlighting a lady who took advantage of an unexpected opportunity of abandoned rails cars that came with her property.
Highlights from the video
- It took her eight years to complete the restoration.
- This is New Zealand. Housing laws are different there.
- Because they used a lot of recycled and “up-cycled” material, she estimated the cost at under 50k.
Find Authentic Collectable Railroad Hardware on eBay
Stay in this authentic restored Pullman train car that carried presidents
From their ad on Booking.com: “Travel back in time to the private Pullman train car, the Constitution. Built in 1905, it served as “Air Force One” for presidents Harding and Wilson. The original car consists of four staterooms, an observation deck, a dining room, and a galley. Two large living rooms with fireplaces, a master bedroom and bathroom have been added on. When the president of Illinois Railway Museum visited, he said it was the most well-preserved Pullman train car in the U.S.”
More pages of the Tiny Life Consulting website you’ll like:
Stealth Tiny Houses That Will Amaze You
Semi Trailer Converted Into Tiny House
Infrastructure for a Tiny Home
Leave A Comment