Interesting local story about how the private car Loretto (built for Charles Schwab, now at Spencer) ended up belonging to Elliott Springs, the flamboyant owner of cotton mills in South Carolina. Springs, who also owned the Lancaster & Chester RR, refurbished it as an office, and also built an extensive minature railroad in a local park, with three Cagney locomotives (not Alcos as in the story).

http://www.fortmilldowntown.com/032504_ ... 20loretto'

Wasn't there a Loretto at the Magee Museum?

Wesley

Yes, and if I'm not mistaken that car survives at the Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona. Last I saw it was being painstakingly restored after fire damage by vandals.

It appears that there were TWO "Lorettos", with one even named "Loretto II". I think the second one is at Spencer/NCTM. Mind you, I wouldn't mind hearing the exact story behind the pair of cars someday.

The car built in 1901 is Loretto #1 the car we have was built in 1917 and is Loretto #2 although it only has LORETTO on the side.