This was just posted on the Old Colony and Fall River Railroad Museum today. Considering there is plenty of expertise here, it seems some advice would be in order. Here is the posting from their facebook page.

"HELP! We have just been informed by the McDonalds Corp. that they would like to donate the former New York Central coach that is part of one of their stores in south Fall River, to the museum. They are going to renovate the store. BUT we have to find a way to move it to the museum on the waterfront. Ideas, and suggestions needed. Thanks, Jay"

And the link to the museum facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/oldcolonyandFRrailroadMuseum

If that coach is where I think it is, it was not "cut open" as is so often done. Instead, patrons enter through the vestibule - which is perpendicular to the building.

From the outside, it looked to be in good shape, with trucks, etc. I did not get a chance to venture inside. It would not be too long of a haul to the museum - maybe 5 miles.

These people did not follow the proper procedure when converting this car for restaurant use. It clearly says in big letters on Page 1 of the "Let's Convert a Perfectly Good RR Car into a Restaurant" manual that a large doorway MUST be cut into at least one (1) side of the car (preferrably both sides), and the interior must also be completely gutted so that once you are inside you have no idea it was ever a RR car.

Also, this isn't an NYC coach. It is an ex-Amtrak, ex-AT&SF 44 seat coach built by PS as part of either the 1947 or the 1950 order. Even though it is a fluted car over a CorTen steel frame, the AT&SF did rebuild a fair number of these cars with sheet stainless steel underneath the fluting, so that car may not be as rusty under the fluting as one might think.

....and don't forget the "remove from wheel set and place on stilts and sell wheel set to local junk man along with all mechanical hardware on both ends including; steps, rails and doors (which must be replaced with plywood)."

So... could someone post contact info for Silk Road, or some other local heavy hauler so they can get the expertise they need?

Wow! She was part of the "Mango Pineapple Fruit Smoothie Express", Santa Fe's crack train across the southwestern dessert.

Art Booth is the contact person at Silk Road.

http://silkroadtrans.com/

Wesley

I've posted this previously, but here is how we've moved heavyweight coaches at RMEO:

http://public.fotki.com/elliottd/sfrmeo/sfrmeo8/

This is a pretty typical method and isn't cheap, but it is quick and easy.

If you have a flat area to work and time is on your side, this can be done cheaper, with jacks rather than lifting the carbodies with a pair of cranes, but be sure you really understand how to do it safely.

Be sure to survey your route and ensure any low wires can be raised easily (and the utilty won't gouge you on the cost). You'll notice 1X4 strapping on the leading edge, to guide loose wires like phone drops up and over the car safely- watch out for any details that will snag, and break cables!

Steve Hunter

HI All

Just wondering , what was her coach number when she was on Amtrak , Pat