This 12 section/one drawing room car known as an "open section" sleeping car was the most common and more economical type of sleeping car accommodation on U.S. railroads. During the 1930s the St. Carvan was air-conditioned with the Pullman air-conditioning system which was a block of ice placed under the car with a large fan located in front of the ice. As the wheels turned, electricity was generated to turn the fan which blew air over the ice resulting in cool air inside the car.