My source was Mr. Ross, one of the purchasers, who said that ConRail moved all the business cars that they got on 4/1/76 to Penn Coach Yard, Philadelphia, and that's where he took possession of 353. Maybe I have read too much into his statement.

A couple of thoughts/questions based on the discussion above....

1) Has any preserved railroad car had an endowment included with the donation to assure its preservation?

2) While I too like to see them operate, what does the ongoing work (repairs, maintenance, and especially modifications to keep it Amtrak current) effect preservation. The Amtrak thing worries me more than repairs...

3) I think there is a viable place in most railroad museums for a delux car... It excites visitors, and can serve as a venue to entertain special guests...

4) Returning to topic, staying with passenger cars, I would suggest the most heroic private preservation effort is Yosemite Valley 330, a 1908 Hick's wooden observation is the champ... Reduced to a really nasty shell, after years as a dinner, purchased by Wis and Claudia Swift in 1995...

She is now in operation on the Niles Canyon Railway... Still privately owned and maintained, exterior done, running gear done, interior work continues while she continues to be used.