The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is looking to de-access former Metra highliners #1529 and #1502 from the museums collection.

Many reasons have lead to this decision including the rapidly deteriorating condition of both cars and lack of track space throughout the museum grounds. HVRM would like to make it known to other groups who may be interested in the cars so that others may express their interest to the museum. Do to the nature of the cars it is unlikely they would be able to leave on their own wheels. Scraping is an option should no interested parties approach us.

Consider this the official post for the future of these cars and contact me for more info through messenger or the provided email address below

Kyle Flanigan, HVRM Secretary

kyle.flanigan@hoosiervalley.org

I had thought it was the SOAC cars but it seems to be the NY City R44's for Staten Island (SIRTOA) in 1973.

In theory IRM was/is planning to keep only two of the four it has, one St. Louis, one Bombardier with the others scrapped for parts. So far all four are extant with two stored outdoors in the core of the museum while two are out in the “south pasture.”

Boone and Scenic Valley RR Museum already has 6 of these cars and none of them operate.

With no expressed interest from the preservation community in METRA (ex-Illinois Central) Highliners 1502 and 1529, the scrapping of the cars has commenced. In the photo, the work already done on #1529 is apparent while 1502 is seen in the background awaiting her fate. Number 1502 was the first car delivered to the ICRR. Will she turn out to be the last Highliner scrapped?

Les