This car was built by Pullman Company as an all steel combination baggage and passenger car. It operated on the Texas and Pacific Railroad. The first conversion to the car occurred in October of 1951 by the T & P in their Marshall shops. The car was converted from a passenger/baggage car to an instruction car, T&P Instruction Car No. 23. At this time the majority of the windows were removed. The car was purchased from the Missouri Pacific Railroad in May of 1962 and the 2nd conversion was done in June 1962 by the St. Louis Car Company making the Monsanto Universal Training Car. The car operated from 1963-1966 and was stored at Soda Springs, Idaho before being moved to St. Louis Union Station on July 2, 1971. It was donated to the museum in June, 1971.

This unique car has been restored and remodeled to provide a facility for additional programs at the Museum. Like the St. Louis Treasurers at MOT # 11-Creation Station, an additional Education Center is now available. The Train of Thought is now open for facilitated field trips and Saturday boy/girl scout programs. Please call the Field Trip Reservation line at 314-965-6885 ext. 5 to schedule a school or scout program.