The "Merci Train," or "Gratitude Train," was a gift from the people of France to the people of the US in appreciation for the Friendship Food Train that Americans sent to war-torn Europe in 1947. The Merci Train consisted of 49 WWI era boxcars, each filled with hundreds of gifts. Almost all the boxcars can be found today, with New Jersey's ready in 2026.

The Italians also sent a 'thank you' in the form of four statues that now grace the ends of the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge and the Arlington Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC. Included with the statues was a short film expressing their gratitude called "Thanks, America!" that was played in US movie theaters ahead of any given feature.

The French took things a step further.

A French veteran and railroad worker named Andre Picard started a movement to send surplus WWI era boxcars to the US filled with tokens of appreciation from the people of France to the people of America. In all, 49 boxcars would be sent -- each packed with mementos from French citizens of every age and class.

Each state would receive a boxcar. One would be split between Washington, DC and the territory of Hawaii. The boxcars were of an especially appropriate type -- known as the 40 et 8 -- 'suitable' for 40 men or 8 horses. These small boxcars had transported thousands of American GIs during the wars; each cramped, bumpy ride leaving a lasting impression on the passengers. Each one was decorated with a painted 'Gratitude Train' ribbon and 40 coat-of-arms representing the provinces of France.

The French boxcars arrived in New York Harbor aboard the ship Magellan in February 1949.

The ship was met by waves of aircraft and a flotilla of boats. With 'Merci, America' painted across its hull, it was docked and unloaded. New York's boxcar was paraded though Manhattan. The other boxcars were loaded onto flatcars (their wide wheel axles not compatible with our track width) and sent off to the far reaches of the nation.

Each state had a reception awaiting their boxcar. Several states sent their boxcars on tours of the state so everyone could see the car and its contents. They came to rest permanently in municipal parks, railroad museums, fairgrounds and Veterans Posts. See below for the complete list.

As of this writing, only 42 of the original 49 Merci Cars are listed on the map and in the GPX file below. The Utah Train is undergoing a major renovation and not expected to be back on display until sometime in 2026.

The New York Train, one of the 42 listed, was last reported on the site of the disbanded "Voiture #92," the local chapter of a club dedicated to the Merci Train cars. Some time in the near future it is expected to be transported to another location, if it hasn’t already. It’s status, as of this email, isn't known and any update about the New York Train would be appreciated.

The New Jersey Train, previously thought to be lost and/or destroyed was found in Kansas City, Missouri. A link to this pretty amazing story, can be found HERE in USA Today.

There will be three basic levels of finishers:
Bronze - 10 or more Merci Train Cars verified
Silver - 20 or more Merci Train Cars verified
Gold - 30 or more Merci Train Cars verified

This challenge is to collect photos of Merci Train Cars. Only one credit will be scored per site. Each submission should clearly show:
A) The qualifying Train Car
B) Your motorcycle*
C) Rider flag(s) – passenger photos must include the passenger
D) Enough of the background to identify the location, or photo be geotag enabled.

IMPORTANT: When it is not possible to include your motorcycle with the Train Car in a single photo for any reason, include a 2nd photo with your motorcycle and rally flag parked in nearby designated parking.

*PARKING or RIDING on sidewalks or lawns is not permitted unless specifically authorized by local law enforcement or memorial caretakers.

TOH scorers will have final say whether a site is allowed or not.

Click on the map above for an interactive map of known Merci Train Cars. Click here for a GPX file (rev. 06/01/25), and an up-to-date listing by state here. The map and GPX file are provided by scorer Eric Marshall. For corrections, updates and/or additions, let Eric or Marlisa know at photos@tourofhonor.com

NOTE: The list mentioned above has a column labeled “Restrictions.” Any locations labeled something other than “none” may have a restriction of some kind. Examples would include, but not be limited to: military installations, museums, offices, cemeteries, etc. These may be accessible only on certain days, have limited hours, require a special ID or guest pass, have an admission fee, etc. It is up to riders to pre-scout locations to determine access.