For the running of the new 'Spirit of Progress' train between Melbourne and Albury, a Parlour Car was built.
The car was a classic American observation car complete with 'beaver tail' end. Because of this car in the consist, the entire train was required to be reversed: by triangle at Wodonga and by reversing loop at Melbourne ( around the Car and Wagon Workshops, North Melbourne ).
The was issued to traffic on 17/11/1937.
In 1957 the car was placed into traffic on the 'Daylight Express'. Perhaps for this traffic a vestibule end was added to the observation end of the car. The car was renamed to Lounge Car for this service during April 1957.
On the 13/5/1958 the car was renamed as the Club Car, still for the 'Daylight Express'.
With the change in operation after the start of standard guage passenger operations, the car remained on broad guage.
In 1963 the car was placed into departmental service, for use on special trains. In this service the car was renamed 'Norman', and placed into 'Special Stock' category.