The first train was in 1947 and was simply the "Friendship Train". It started from Los Angeles on Nov. 7, 1947. There were at least two box cars specially painted for the train (one NYC 15147) and a Pullman or two. MTH did two cars as SP 98014 and SP 97894 that look like the second car in the photo that the NYC car appears in but the roadname and number are not identifiable.
The Abraham Lincoln Friendship Train departed from Lincoln, NEB on Feb. 12, 1948.
The Merci cars were in response to these (and presumably other) relief efforts sponsored by organizations other than the federal government.
Charlie Vlk
Not sure if Charlie is referring the the French Merci Train