209 was built at about the same time as South Australian Railways carriage 207, but was modified several times during its service life.
Initially of standard Long Tom design, it had a seating capacity of approx 50, including two toilets. The car was modified for use as a mobile hospital car during World War Two, and the toilets were moved from the middle towards one end of the car. One of the toilets was replaced with a shower. After the war, it was converted back to a sitting car, but retaining the toilet and shower, and remained largely in that configuration until PRR acquired the it in 1974.

In PRR service, the car has had the shower removed, and that cubicle converted for use as a refreshment outlet, complete with a gas urn. A hand brake and other equipment has also been fitted to enable it to be used as a Guard's Van. It carries the PRR name "Wandana", although it was never named by the SAR.  The seating capacity is now 36, and the car sees regular service as a trailer for the Brill Railcar, in addition to being a part of the Pichi Richi Explorer consist.

209 at Stirling North on a PRR train service