OOPS!
Thanks John, but unfortunately, the car is already lettered "DACOSTA", no space (as per the original Pullman specification sheet obtained from the Pullman Library at IRM).
I suppose that you may take solace in that the car exterior is painted dark green and the interior two shades of light blue, all totally non-Pullman colors (I picked them out).
Valley is, of course, just a for-profit Tourist Railroad, and does not claim to be a museum (although had I known about the space the Pennsy put in there, I would have too).
Philistines that we are, we actually considered using a Pennsy font for the lettering, but clearer heads (read: higher pay grade) wanted it to match the rest of the Essex Clipper Dinner Train.
Initially, DACOSTA will be set up as a 40 seat lounge car for use on the "North Pole Express-2" train. At some point we will install a former SP 25KW generator and probably a former AT&SF air conditioner system like we use on the Dinner Train. We did install the little bracket clips for attaching the dinner tables (seating up to 54), so ultimately, it will be another dual service (diner or lounge) car depending on what we need it for at any given moment.
Be well,
J.David

Well, Dave, I suppose the real question is whether or not Pullman originally painted the car incorrectly (DA_COSTA) - thus deviating from its own spec sheet - or if that version originated with the later PRR-style repaint. It's also not hard to imagine that a similar discussion occurred in a paintshop many years ago. ("What! - it's not DA COSTA?")

It's good to see such a productive outcome for a badly stripped-out work train Pullman. I well recall its condition upon arrival on the property about 1989, and that we subsequently removed what little was left in order to make MERIDEN f/k/a PLYMOUTH more complete. It was fortunate that the two cars had very similar design details.

Sure, it's not a museum-authentic restoration, particularly on the inside, but that wasn't your goal, and it's commendable preservation nevertheless. I'm sure the finished car will earn its keep on the VRR, and thereby ensure its continued survival.

Best regards,
Jon

In addition to the PRR era Bob Coolidge photo, both Wayner and Madden list the spelling as Da Costa. On occasion, the Pullman records list a change in spelling, including, for example, removing or adding double letters or spaces, but no such respelling is listed for this car in particular. Interesting that the spec sheet doesn't have a space--I'll have to make a note for that one.

Sources:

1. "The Complete Roster of Heavyweight Pullman Cars" by Robert J. Wayner (Wayner Publications, 1985)

2. Tom Madden's Pullman Project CCR database: http://pullmanproject.com/Database.htm

Transcriptions of car names are always a crap shoot, often whoever is making the list spells the name they way he hears it.

The Soo Line at one time had a company owned sleeper named ANAMOOSE, named after the town in North Dakota, which according to Wikipedia was named... "The name is a corruption of the Chippewa word uhnemoosh, which means "female dog."

I have a copy of the railroad equipment diagram where the draftsman has it as "ANNA_MOOSE". I wonder who he thought she was?

David,

With regard to the Decosta and other VRR parlor/dining cars, what type of seating do you use in the cars? Any pictures?

Thanks,

David

Greetings:
Valley Railroad has decided not to purchase SY1385.
At this time, I am back to developing a Scope of Work and Budget for rebuilding No.97.
J.David

I would like more information, a photo if possible ..

Mr. Starr