The Niagara Railway Museum Inc. has acquired ex-CNR Flanger 56323 from a private owner in St. Catharines, Ont. 56323 joins another flanger, 56452, which is already at the Museum. With the addition of 56323, the Museum now has one car with blades, but no body, and one car with a body, but no blades. The steps were obviously not original, and they prevent the car from actually operating since they hit the trucks, but they are good for car access, and will be left in place. There are differences between teh 2 cars (other than the obvious). 56323 was not modernized with steel ends and an Ajax brake like 56452. 56323 still retains the wooden ends and stemwinder hand brake.
56323 was previously used as an office, and was gutted at that time. It was sold to a company in St. Catharines and used as a conference room. The Museum had a meeting there in November, and it's good for about 18 people. At this time, we will be leaving the car as it is, as it is a useful space for meetings, or rotating displays. The Museum is very happy to have this car donated, and we hope to have it moved within a few weeks, well before the snow flies. The body will be worked on over time, as will the interior. There are heaters in the car, so it will be able to be used in the colder months.
This is the first of 2 cars that the Niagara Railway Museum will be moving before the end of the year. More on the second car will be coming soon. The Museum is now working to raise the needed funds to move both cars.
| Attachments: |
|
File comment: ex-CNR 56323 flangersm.jpg [ 186.94 KiB | Viewed 3063 times ] |
|
File comment: ex-CNR flanger 56452 flangersm.jpg [ 221.99 KiB | Viewed 3063 times ] |