I received the following today from a PRR expert of my acquaintance regarding an update to a jewel I believe was previously discussed here in 2005, ex-B&O observation 3303 in Hyndman, Pa.:

West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, has awarded a $78,000 grant to the West Virginia Railroad Museum for the transportation, to West Virginia, of B&0 #3303. This is the car that sits by the B&O tracks in Hyndman, PA, a square-ended buffet-parlor observation car that was rebuilt from a heavyweight coach for the streamlined heavyweight edition of the Royal Blue. It later was transferred to the Columbian. One of the most interesting features about the car is that it still has a full-width diaphragm. There probably is not a single surviving passenger car today, with a full width diaphragm, with the exception of the 3303.

The grant requires a “match”, which means that the museum must come up with an additional 20%, in this case, $15,600. B&O fans should donate to this worthwhile endeavor, and donations are tax deductible. Donations should be sent to:

West Virginia Railroad Museum
P.O. Box 203
Elkins, WV 26241.

Please make a contribution to help this car run again.

Once the car has arrived at the museum, a second grant will be applied for to cosmetically restore the car and to restore the interior to its original splendor. The museum has some info on the cars' interior and appointments but needs more particulars. Anyone knows where such information can be found should contact Denver Barnet at the museum.

The museum intends to operate the car and to hopefully find a corporate sponsor to fund its continued maintenance.