Jeff,

Nice series! I noted all the regular High Iron cars in this 7 car consist (ex-WAB, nee-C&O baggage-RPO Conneaut, ex-CP open window coach-observation Rocky Mountain, ex-RDG baggage-coach Nomad, ex-PRR sleeper lounge observation Mountain View, Pullman heavyweight 8 section-5 double bedroom sleeper Clover Colony, and ex-NYC heavyweight business car Brothers Two), but I don't recognize the first car, a full baggage car, the name of which appears to be Oasis. Does anybody know the history of this car? Thanks in advance!

Nomad was a CNJ combine, I don't have the number in my head right now (it's in my HICO files, which are in "deep storage"). I think it was purchased by HICO in late 1967-early 1968; it was on the #127- #90 doubleheaders in Feb 68, in faded CNJ paint, with the letterboards painted out in fresh dark green paint. I think this car wound up with Steamtown, and is now in Scranton.

Oasis was a CNJ 70-ft full bagg, owned by railfan and PC tower operator Alfred Coleman of Long Island. His father was a CNJ trainman/conductor. Since the original HICO trips were dubbed "Steam Safaris", and the car hosts all wore safari helmets (!!) and blue blazers, the mid-train concession car was properly called: "Oasis". The car was on HICO's first trip, painted in light blue. It was lettered "High Iron", and was the first car to carry that lettering.

Howard P.

Oasis - CNJ 431

Nomad - CNJ 303 (now at Steamtown as Howard noted).

Alan Maples

Howard and Alan, thanks for the correction/history/current status of the Nomad, and for the history of the Oasis! Does anyone have info on the final disposition or current status/location of the Oasis? Thanks in advance!