Passenger Car Info Request

SteveRG · **Joined:** Fri Sep 15, 2006 3:28 am **Posts:** 270

Attached are two pictures of NYS&W's Passenger Cars. The dome car I believe is ex UP and the open end obs I don't know. Just would like to know their origins and or classifications if possible. Thanks, Steve

eldiner · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 8:39 am **Posts:** 534

The dome is an ACF built ex-UP. It was purchased along with a diner and 7(?) ATSF full domes at the auction of the original bankrupt Auto Train. The NYS&W made it into an inspection car - local fans used to refer to it as the "Popemobile".

The business car is ex-DRGW and was named the "Otto Kuhler", although the NYS&W never officially used that name. Allegedly it was used at some point during the Truman 1952 whistle stop campaign but I have never seen proof of it.

As you probably know the NYS&W put all their passenger equipment up for sale after Walter Rich died. The dome has been sold (not sure to who) and the Otto Kuhler is still for sale - last I heard they were asking $250K.

SteveRG · **Joined:** Fri Sep 15, 2006 3:28 am **Posts:** 270

Thanks for the info eldiner. I THOUGHT the dome was ex-UP with the exception of the large window at back. You say NYS&W did the mod on that? I remember UP having a door at the back with two small windows flanking it. I could be wrong though...
My Father and I rode in this car when 142 made small trips from Hawthorne to Butler, NJ. Too bad diesels did most of the work shoving on the rear but still fun nonetheless.
Whatever became of the ex-Auto Train Domes? Weren't they vista domes? I know R&N has one...is that one ex-Auto Train?

davew833 · **Posted:** Fri Feb 25, 2011 1:13 am

Check out Weblurker's DOMEmain website which gives comprehensive information on all the dome cars ever built in the US.

http://www.trainweb.org/web_lurker/WebLurkersDOMEmain/

According to the site, NYSW modified the back with the single window after purchasing the car in 1982. UP ordered the 9000-series dome lounge obs cars with a blunt observation end having two windows, a door, and a neon "City of XXXXX" tailsign. Later the two windows were plated over by UP and a diaphragm was added for midtrain operation.

MRLX1020 · **Joined:** Mon Aug 30, 2010 9:22 pm **Posts:** 70

The "Popemobile" was last seen at Avalon in fall of 2008 with GNTX reporting marks. The trucks were out and work was in progress.

Any updates?

SteveRG · **Joined:** Fri Sep 15, 2006 3:28 am **Posts:** 270

Hey Davew833...that is a great page! Thanks for the link. I could spend hours on that but I believe I got my answer on RBM&N's car.
Thanks again!!

CREEPING DEATH · **Joined:** Sun Oct 24, 2010 6:22 pm **Posts:** 275

http://www.trainsale.com/8029.htm

davew833 · **Posted:** Fri Feb 25, 2011 5:02 pm

I'm sure I've spent endless hours on Weblurker's dome site. It's too bad it's not updated regularly any more.