It seems that there are a bunch of the P-S built LIRR commuter cars available out there. Is there something in particular about these cars, such as mechanical problems or quirks, that make them undesirable for excursion service? Are the split windows problems. Is it simply that they don't look "old-timey" enough to warrent inclusion in most railroad museum or excursion train consists. Or is it that all the good cars have been purchased already and only the dogs remain? With roller bearings and lots of seats, why are they still languishing?

It's early in the morning, and I'm having some "cob-webs" but I think I can recall enough to answer some of your questions regarding the LI cars. For, one yes, most of the desirable ones had been taken earlier. If I recall, the electric systems to these also are not compatible with existing equipment out there, and may even be "unique" in their voltage output, etc. I'm sure someone with detailed knowledge can chime in on this aspect.

A few years ago, a group here in the Northeast that I am quite familiar with, purchased four or five that were stored for a considerable time in New England. It was a bargain-basement price. The vestibules on these are all deteriorated extensively from years of accumulation of rock salt encountered during the winter months at many road crossings during their use. The estimate to repair these cars was quite expensive, and they are languishing away until the resources can be found to repair them.

There were something like 170 cars - coaches and some parlors - that came on the market all at once, so simple oversupply may account for some of the lingering surplus.

I have no first hand experience with these cars, other than having been aboard one once. My impression was 3-2 seating and small windows made them less than ideal for anything other than the commuter service they were designed for. Some of the cars had gen sets, but most were HEP, which is a plus or minus depending on what you are equipped to deal with. That being said, some people have found good applications for this equipment and they are certainly easier to ship than solid bearing antiquities.

Alan Maples

There isn't anything wrong with these cars per se. It's just that, despite appearances to the contrary, there are really very few buyers for used passenger cars. A typical ad on Rail Swap, for example, may only produce 3 or 4 responses. Almost any car will sell if the price is low enough, but most sellers have a price in mind that they will not waiver from, and if the price is on the high side of market value, then the car may not sell for years. In the case of the Long Island cars, these were purchased from the LI by a group of people in the Northeast for a bargain basement price, contingent on them taking the entire 100 + car lot. The majority of the cars did sell within a year or two, netting the group considerable profit. However, as previously stated, since the market for older passenger cars is actually quite limited, it didn't take long for the market to become saturated. Plus, the sellers still want relatively high prices for these cars. In addition, the cost to move a passenger car on a Class One is now over $4.00 per mile for the most part, a considerable increase over just a few years ago. And most moves now require a full COT&S, rather than just a "Blow and Go" like in the old days. As the saying goes, actually buying the car can be the cheapest part of the project.

Indeed you are correct sir, there is a unique voltage associated with these cars. There are, however, conversion kits available for sale with them.