The fate of open car No.1758 is as follows: The car went from the Magee to the "Lionel Toy Train and Sea Shell Museum in Sarasota, Florida. The car was lowered into the building before the roof was added. Once inside it sat down in a pit so that the running board was at floor level. It was set up so people would sit in the car and watch a slide presentation, from a screen mounted on the inside of the bulkhead partition between the passenger compartment and end platform. In 1990 the City of Orlando wanted to build a streetcar line in downtown and the mayor was told about this open car that was for sale, due to closing of museum so the Sarasota airport could expand. I was hired by the city and went over to make inspection. The car looked great and City of Orlando purchased the car. We had to jack up the car out of the pit, turn it 90 degrees, cut a hole in the wall in order to get it out, all the while not to disturb the museum which was still open for business. We took the car to the trolley barn at the now defunct Grand Cypress/Hyatt Regency resort in Lake Bunea Vista, which at the time had a four mile, standard gauge streetcar line with overhead wire. We took out the four traction motors and had them re-wound, rebuilt the D H-16 air comp., had controllers completely re-wired, major rebuild of trucks, new springs, etc.,and other mechanical rehab. We did get a chance to operate the car on the line, and it was great to get the old girl out and running. We were amazed at how smooth the ride was and had a chance to get her up to about 45 on a long stretch of track. Unfortunately in August of 1991 Orlando had a new mayor and they scrapped the idea of a trolley line. We then moved the car to a warehouse and it has been in storage ever since. My company, Edwards Rail Car Co., has the car for sale and will be glad to answer any question.

edrailco@aol.com