The Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Society has donated two historic pieces of railroad equipment to the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson, Indiana.

NORTH JUDSON, INDIANA – The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum and the Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Society are jointly announcing the donation of two historic pieces of Indiana’s railroad heritage. Monon business car no. 2, also known as Lynne, and Monon wide vision caboose no. 81532 have been donated by the society to the museum.

The donation culminates months of work and planning and ensures that the Monon equipment is preserved while achieving the goals of both organizations. The plan includes operating the business car in excursion service as an upscale experience with portions of the ticket sales supporting the society. The deal is viewed as a “win-win” for both organizations.

“The museum is excited to see these historic cars come to North Judson since they have such a solid tie to Indiana’s railroad history,” stated Todd Flanigan, President of the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. “We’re grateful that we have been given this opportunity and are ready to take our excursion operations to the next level.”

“Donating the business car and 81532 to The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum ensures that they will be maintained and used on an active railroad,” stated Jim Craig, President of the Monon Railroad Historical-Technical Society. “You will be able to, once again, actually ride in the caboose or the business car!”

The donation will bring together a growing collection of Monon equipment at the museum in North Judson. The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum already houses three pieces of Monon equipment: EMD SW-1 DS-50, boxcar no. 1220, and transfer caboose no. 81551.

Both cars will be moved by rail from their current location in southern Indiana to the museum in the coming weeks. The museum has established a fund to help pay for the move and any future restoration efforts. Donations can be made on the museum’s website at hoosiervalley.org/monon or via check.