Here's the reason behind the name: The titles and symbols of The Forty and Eight are derived from the experiences of U.S. troops during World War I. Americans soldiers were transported to the front on the French rail system. Cramped into narrow gauge boxcars, each stenciled with “40 Hommes/8 Chevaux”, denoting its capacity to hold either 40 men or 8 horses. This uncomfortable mode of transportation was familiar common experience for every Doughboy that fought in the trenches; a mutual small misery among American soldiers. Thereafter, they found “40/8” a lighthearted symbol of the deeper service, unspoken horrors and shared sacrifice that bind all who have endured combat.
Voiture Locale 1320 would be the name of a particular chapter, from where, I couldn't figure out.
Looks like it started life as a normal chassis, and at some point was modified to loosely look like a steam loco. For parades, I'd guess.
The wording on the back is French for "The Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses", also known as the "Forty and Eight".
Here's a link to their website: https://www.fortyandeight.org/
Here's the reason behind the name: The titles and symbols of The Forty and Eight are derived from the experiences of U.S. troops during World War I. Americans soldiers were transported to the front on the French rail system. Cramped into narrow gauge boxcars, each stenciled with “40 Hommes/8 Chevaux”, denoting its capacity to hold either 40 men or 8 horses. This uncomfortable mode of transportation was familiar common experience for every Doughboy that fought in the trenches; a mutual small misery among American soldiers. Thereafter, they found “40/8” a lighthearted symbol of the deeper service, unspoken horrors and shared sacrifice that bind all who have endured combat.
Voiture Locale 1320 would be the name of a particular chapter, from where, I couldn't figure out.
Very interesting catch.