In 1932, the time of this cutaway, this two-story Pullman berth intended to offer four rooms:  two up and two down.  Each room would have its own daybed, sink, and toilet.

The article implied that this arrangement was still in its testing phase, and that if it met “with favor,” the company would build more.

According to Rails West, this so-called duplex car was eventually built in large quantities.

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Two Story Pullman Rail Car 1932

Source:  Popular Mechanics August 1932

This unusual device, made by Stephens-Adamson Co. of Los Angeles, CA, reached deep into boxcars that had loose contents and swept the contents out of the open door.

As it turns out, Stephens-Adamson Co. is still around today.

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Railroad Boxcar Sweeper Arm Cutaway 1950

Source:  Popular Science March 1950

It was a fairly accurate prediction, in 1920, of the difference between the bulky locomotive of the day vs. the predicted streamlined version.

The article claimed that more locomotives had been built in the last 15 years than in all of history–perhaps true.

It was also claimed that, by streamlining the locomotive and cutting down on wind resistance, it could achieve speeds of up to 150 mph.

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Old vs. New Locomotive Cutaway, 1920

Source: Popular Science Monthly February 1920