The Railroaders Memorial Museum would like to announce that the Penn Central N10 caboose (cabin car) will be restored in partnership with the Penn Central Railroad Historical Society.
Acquired by the Railroaders Memorial Museum in 2006, No. 24026 was built in Altoona in 1969 and was one of the last 50 Altoona built cabin cars. This project will be spearheaded by Museum Volunteers, members of the Horseshoe Curve Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, and volunteers from the Penn State Altoona Rail Transportation Engineering Program.
Since 2021, approximately $8,000.00 in funds have been raised by the Horseshoe Curve Chapter, National Railway Historical Society to sandblast and prime the car. Volunteers have been at work rebuilding the car ends, providing sheet metal work, interior removal, rebuilding bay windows, and general backdating to 1969.
As work continues, interest from key members of the Penn Central Railroad Historical Society formed a plan to assist the Railroaders Memorial Museum’s efforts to restore this iconic Penn Central relic.
On September 18th, 2023, the Penn Central Railroad Historical Society Board of Directors committed to contributing $5,000 in seed funds toward the project. Additionally, the Society decided to launch a matching campaign to raise $2,500 from members and provide $2,500.00 in match. This additional $5,000 shows a willingness by the Penn Central Railroad Historical Society to invest $10,000 in preserving the legacy of the Penn Central in Altoona.
This is an exciting development to help ensure the car’s professional grade restoration that will yield a sound and durable result. Upon completion the N10 will be restored and painted to its 1969 specifications. (please see builders photos of PC 24035 and PC 24014 for reference) Plans are underway to offer the caboose for short yard tours and interactive programs at the Railroaders Memorial Museum.
This matching campaign sponsored by the Penn Central Railroad Historical Society will be open until February 1, 2024.
To help us finish Penn Central N10 No. 2426, please consider a tax deductible contribution.
To donate . . . visit:
http://www.railroadcity.org/PennCentralN10