This time we will look at DL&W 556, one of three open platform Lackawanna coaches we have. There is not much illumination in these so pardon the pics - and thank goodness for digital images where some enhancements are easily made. The cars were built by Pullman in 1914, seat 78, and are classic railroad roof steel coaches. They were acquired by IRM in 1972, and have long served as the backbone of our our weekend passenger service. But they are getting timeworn and long overdue for repairs and rehab.
This car has been out of service for some time. Mike Baksic and Ray Moorman have replaced steel and decking on one of the platforms, while others led by Mark Hoffman are concentrating on the interior.
The seats and light globes have been removed and a LOT of peeling paint is being painstakingly cleaned from the sidewalls and ceiling. The schedule hopes for the car to be repainted and ready to go back into service in 2013, and that may be optimistic as more issues are uncovered. But with more volunteer help it could easily meet or exceed that date.
The other two cars in the set are numbered 561 and 567.
The Passenger Car Department is alive and well at IRM with a lot of projects ongoing and a lot of work being done. Hope you enjoyed these short looks behind the scenes.
Comments
Wed, 01-30-2019 12:42
I see M&E 18 finally made it home! Congratulations to you guys in the diesel department, and to the museum in general. If I'm able to, I'll try to [...]
Fri, 01-18-2019 17:04
Car Barns are the best means of Long Term preservation of rail cars. I just got my new membership card for 2019. Have you sent in your contribution [...]
Sun, 01-13-2019 08:08
There are several issues with restoring both 2707 and 975 to operating condition. Money is a big issue, seeing as we have no idea what condition they [...]
Sat, 01-12-2019 01:08
Nice Thought, but those two engines are unlikely to operate on the museum line if operate at all, Because of Size, Condition, and Necessary Budget for [...]
Thu, 01-10-2019 20:46
Nice that u guys trying restore and repaint it. But if gona go this far way not just restore it and 2707 engine both running condition. I know lot of [...]
Tue, 12-25-2018 17:22
Merry Christmas to all those who work so hard to make the IRM the great museum that it is! I will send in my membership renewal in the next week or [...]
Fri, 11-30-2018 19:48
Hello Ted No, its not the Metro Burro crane. Its the Bay City 25 ton Crane sitting in the back of the Steam Shop. Thanks Roger
Fri, 11-30-2018 13:43
Is that the Metra Burro Model 30 crane you are working on?
Tue, 11-27-2018 17:12
Good Job.
Sat, 11-03-2018 17:05
Are you the Paul Cronin from B&M days at Iron Horse Park?
Mon, 09-24-2018 18:39
keep up the good work on this car. Wish I could be there to help. is starting to look good.
Thu, 09-06-2018 18:16
I am glad to see you took away the caboose fittings; they were only added in the car's last two years. By all means, put in the right seat frames, [...]