Rolling out this Monday for the public as a first-class, extra fare car is Philadelphia & Reading Car 10. Below is a 2002 roster shot when she was repainted:
We put a genset under it this Spring and got all of the other mechanicals working. An important ethic for us in this restoration was preservation of her profile and historic interior. To that end, we worked with minimum impact, attempting to shoe-horn stuff in where we could and using existing systems where possible. Below is a shot of the old water tank shroud:
Viola! Open it up on its new gas shocks, and there is a generator set behind it!
We did the same with the battery boxes and covers. Here’s the critical panel, part of the new water system, and the septic system, behind old battery box covers:
The transformers, also behind old battery box covers:
We also used the same approach in the interior. Here’s the genset control wedged into the 32 volt DC lighting cabinet:
Here’s a shot of the galley sink with a new, reproduction cartridge fixture. We used the existing bronze water piping as much as possible:
Some other interior shots. The main salon with secretaries’ desks:
Looking the other direction in the main salon at the fold-down berth. The berth was re-upholstered as a settee:
The WC. Notice the new Microphor head and the nickel-plated faucets. The sink is original.
Some other info: The lighting is still 32 volt – AC. The 32 volt DC fans are powered by little bridge rectifiers no larger than a pat of butter. Fixed lower beds were removed and preserved, and replaced with settees or parlor chairs. Hot water is provided by 240 volt demand heaters.
There were a few teething problems this week. No 7 journal had to be fussed over. Here’s a photo after repacking with the new brass installed:
Prices and particulars can be found on the railroad’s website: http://www.strasburgrailroad.com