Andalusia Alabama passenger cars

PLATFORMCAR · **Joined:** Wed Jan 11, 2006 2:22 pm **Posts:** 429

Greetings

Thought it was best to open a new topic regarding some of the passenger equipment that shares much of the same fate as the steam locomotives in Andalusia Alabama. For those that are interested, it would appear that three heavyweight cars exist on the property, two L&N cars along with a car of unknown origin ( having a 1942 built date though ) .. The first car is L&N heavyweight coach numbered 2159, and rides on six wheel bolted pedestal trucks with a UC brake valve. This car sits somewhat adjacent to the old L&N through tracks, and unfortunately some remodeling, along with plenty of neglect, puts this car in rough and deterioating condition. The first batch of photographs will show the location and condition of this car.

Dean Levin

PLATFORMCAR · **Joined:** Wed Jan 11, 2006 2:22 pm **Posts:** 429

Another heavyweight trapped in there, is L&N 1456 a heavyweight six axle baggage car ( in original paint ) still with its REA Express lettering. This car appears in good condition ( for its age ) and sits on bolted pedestal trucks with roller bearings and a UC brake valve. Seems like this car is certainly a worthy candidate to escape this location and find a better home.

Dean Levin

PLATFORMCAR · **Joined:** Wed Jan 11, 2006 2:22 pm **Posts:** 429

Another car in Andalusia is this ex CSX car ( ex 911222 ) Not 100 percent sure of the history of this car. Can anyone assist ?

Dean Levin

wilkinsd · **Posted:** Tue Dec 29, 2009 5:24 pm

As an L&N fan, it is a shame there isn't a single preserved six axle heavyweight that still retains its original layout and seating. There are several of the post-war heavyweight rebuilds (sealed windows, walk-around restrooms, etc) floating around, most will the "bus windows" from their days on the Clinchfield excursion train. One of the 4 axle cars from the New Orleans commuter service survives intact, in Canada on the South Simcoe. Other than that, nary a single L&N walkover seat six axle coach survives, that I know of.

Bob Davis · **Joined:** Sat Aug 28, 2004 3:25 am **Posts:** 1025

Question from the West Coast: Is the plant growth enveloping the cars in the photos the infamous "kudzu" that supposedly will even cover people if they remain in one spot too long?

PLATFORMCAR · **Joined:** Wed Jan 11, 2006 2:22 pm **Posts:** 429

yes indeed that is Kudzu.. which is thick like ropes and nearly impossible to walk through ( I learned ) ...

here are a few more images... of a ex BN wide vision caboose. and a neat old outside bracked boxcar that were on the property. These was also a wooden caboose deep in there, however it was too deeply covered for me to get close to. I am not certain as to the history of the outside braced boxcar.

Dean Levin

Howard P. · **Posted:** Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:43 pm

The outside braced boxcar looks like it's ex-military, with steel sheet sides rather than wood planking.

The CSXT green work coach appears to be one of the late-heavyweight-era C&O coaches built by AC&F, about 1941-42. Three-axle top equalized trucks, a low-profile round roof, and riveted construction.

Howard P.

Higherspeedrailnow · **Joined:** Wed Aug 13, 2008 2:09 am **Posts:** 130

In seeing your post. I went directly to Google earth and checked out the site. Are these cars right off South Cotton Avenue? If so, what is that building on the corner? By the roof it looks like a station. If so, do you have any pictures of it? Any pictures inside the cars? I think this was a L&N branch line at one time. Thanks for posting these pictures, I always enjoy seeing and knowing about equipment sitting around.

PLATFORMCAR · **Joined:** Wed Jan 11, 2006 2:22 pm **Posts:** 429

highspeed,

here is a picture of the depot I believe you asked about.... This is the old L&N depot right next to the main street ( not certain of the street name )

Hope this helps a bit

Dean