Two Morristown & Erie Railway passenger cars burned in East Hanover, NJ. Cars are:

1. Ex-Amtrak sleeper, the "A. Philip Randolph", named to honor the African-American who was a civil rights leader and the organizer of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first predominantly African-American labor union, which was a labor union for Pullman Porters.

2. Former PRR observation lounge "Martha Washington", built circa 1951, which was part of the consist on Pennsy's "Senator" passenger train.

Details and photos at link. Article erroneously states that cars are owned by Whippany Railway Museum, the location they were moved to after the fire.

http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/2017/08/04/fire-destroys-historic-rail-cars-e-hanover-museum/539562001/

As a former owner of the A. Phillip Randolph, ex CB&Q Silver Meadow, I am saddened to hear of its fate. The car was a great example of a complete Amtrak Heritage 10-6 sleeper. When originally purchased from Amtrak by the late Larry Smith (there's another story right there!), it was reported to be in the best condition of all the sleepers being sold.

Kevin Moore

Arson, no suspects yet.

http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/2017/08/08/arson-suspected-e-hanover-rail-car-fire/548240001/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=