Buy anything cool lately?

Regarding the lock with the keys attached by chains. Made no sense to me as to why have a lock with a key permanently attached? The ground throw example makes a lot of sense to me. Sounds like an early "Lock Out Tag Out" safety system to me. The attached key allows any crew member to unlock the throw when the operation is completed. On electrical panels we had multiple points to attach locks but each electrician had his own key to ensure the lock was removed only when he was done. Unfinished work kept the panel from being energized.   Of course I do not know in this case - never worked in the industry.

Bill,

I started my RR career in the signal department of the C & O RR. Those locks look like signal locks for junction boxes and wayside signal bungalows. The skeleton looking keys are for switch stands and the hex key with the extended ears is for a raco junction box lock. The smaller keys may be used for ctc cabinets in dispatch centers or tower control cabinets.

SYE

New DSC handheld.  Wow!  New something else would have been more exciting.  I put this with AC,tires or a new washer.

My father hired on with Southern in 1961 or 62 as flagman.  By 1970, he was promoted to Road Foreman of Engines and transferred to Alabama.  He remained in that position until retirement .  I wish I had asked about each lock.  I have many more items coming soon.

Got these today from bill at Ready2Roll in Miami..

MTH 30-2310-1 FEC F3 ABA Set and MTH 30-68027 FEC 60" Streamlined Passenger set...been wanting one of these for a while now..

Saw this on eBay recently and I just wanted it. I spent the month of Feberuary in the Netherlands that year and watched a lot of trains. It would have been for sale when I was there and I for sure would have bought a copy then had I seen it at the time (I still have the Dutch model train magazine I bought in Amsterdam).

I’m backlogged on posting new cool stuff since the end of May when I got the Legacy system which I fell in love with quickly. Basically it’s been four categories of purchases since May: 1.) I wanted to get things that can take advantage of what Legacy offers, 2.) major on changing my Amtrak fleet from 15-16” cars to 18-19” cars as well as  acquiring some Motive power, 3.) some freight purchases, 4.) tinplate.

So I’ll finally start with this post. I’ll try to keep it chronological and keenlike items together

starting with Legacy components:

WiFi Control System, Two Ser 2 , DB-9 cable, rewritable module, two PDI cables(early May from Nick Smith)

have had ups and downs with the WiFi but the SER 2 has seamlessly allowed me to integrate DCS and two TPC’s(and with the included y-cable the original command base) Works Great!

Next up freight:

K-line O scale dieCast DTTX stand-alone Thrall with prototypical classification and measurement decals(Mid May)K-line made the only true o scale 40 foot well car with 40’(10” scale length) containers(Atlas has done this as well). Unfortunately, the majority of their gundersons/thralls have a 48’ on the side, which isn’t a correct representation of the well. Hence, I was excited when I was finally able to land this  TTX Thrall with the 40’ symbol(a panel of to the right of the TTX symbol)

Also, something cool that came with this Thrall- a detailed instruction book with decals to change a 40’ Unit to a 48’, decals to make the 40’ more prototypical, and decals for there Spine sets. Pic below:

K-Line O scale 13.5” diecast Conrail gondola in Penn Central Livery with both RR’s abbreviations(Mid July)I thought this was really cool as it has both PC and CR, unfortunately, previous owner used permanent marker to black out the CR, did my best to wash it off without ruing the white CR letters

Last but certainly not least, my first big purchase in the changing of my Amtrak fleet....

Lionel O gauge Amtrak Cab End(Control) Car(6-35454)- End of May

Lengthwise shot- I got this for cheaper than the going rate as the box was missing and there was a small nick on the top that a cleaned up. Unfortunately, it was packaged very poorly-in a cardboard box was about an inch longer, wider, and taller than the car Wrapped in bubble wrap. I couldn’t believe it- hence it arrived with the strobe bar in the back broken. I emailed the seller and after some snide comments he refunded the shipping. Have had to reattach 3 Times since then- but I still love it!

That wonderful back end

Jope you enjoy- more to come!

steve

Well I managed to secure a zw for free over the weekend! Don't know anything about it except it doesn't work, should be receiving it in a couple weeks. If she can be repaired, I'll have a replacement for my old zw which is worn out, if not, I've got parts to rebuild her

Just picked up the MTH Amtrak TURBO TRAIN. I followed Eric Seigals review on how to put it together and requires a little patience. Once it’s running it is awesome. Handles 072 curves with ease. Interior lighting sets the mood at night.

Tontee, the steam shovel was one of two flatcar loads, originally sold between 1960 and 1963. They were both P&H prototypes. Besides the steam shovel, there was a P&H crane. In addition to the flat cars, both kits came in a P&H box, and a small booklet telling about the prototypes. This is info from Greenberg’s Guide to Lionel Trains, 1945 to 1969, vol.1.

@Artie-DL&W posted:

Tontee, the steam shovel was one of two flatcar loads, originally sold between 1960 and 1963. They were both P&H prototypes. Besides the steam shovel, there was a P&H crane. In addition to the flat cars, both kits came in a P&H box, and a small booklet telling about the prototypes. This is info from Greenberg’s Guide to Lionel Trains, 1945 to 1969, vol.1.

Thanks Artie..I thought that it might be early 60's vintage but what is confusing is that the box is labeled as an MPC release.  Probably left over stock they were liquidating.

Tom, I think MPC re-released them, as did later owners of Lionel. I also liked the Allis—Chalmers bulldozer and road grader on flatcars. My favorite is the operating sub, of which I had an original, and later acquired a U.S. Navy version, as my son-in-law is a Navy Senior Chief. I still need to try it in the bathtub, though!😄

@Artie-DL&W posted:

Tom, I think MPC re-released them, as did later owners of Lionel. I also liked the Allis—Chalmers bulldozer and road grader on flatcars. My favorite is the operating sub, of which I had an original, and later acquired a U.S. Navy version, as my son-in-law is a Navy Senior Chief. I still need to try it in the bathtub, though!😄

Artie you're correct.  I checked in my Greenberg's Guide;  1970-1991 Volume 1 and it was issued in 1976-77 & 1980 with the 9158 Penn Central Flatcar.  Type (A) was flatcar only; (B) w/steam shovel with black treads, (C) with gray treads, (D)with steam shovel kit, unbuilt with black treads, and (E) unbuilt kit with gray treads.  The guides comments that it's hard to find with the steam shovel kit intact.  However, the kit in question has Service Station labeling so I suspect it may have been a replacement kit.  There is no listing for a 9158-101 in any of the MPC era guides or mid 70's catalogs on hand here.  

P.S.  Let us know how the sub works out in the tub.

Been doing a lot of buying lately.

First is a Lionel ATSF F3 B unit to go behind my Menards F7. Bought it here on the forum.

Next up are some detail parts and decals for the track cleaning car I am building

The pot belly stove will go into an old caboose that I'm using for a yard office.

Finally I picked up GRJ's isolated track relay. I am replacing a 12v ice-cube relay that chatters when lighter cars are on the block. The only noise I want ice cubes to make is when they clink on the side of my glass of scotch.

Now to find the time to build everything.

Bob

Nice haul Bob. Can't wait to see that track cleaning car

@coach joe posted:

Nice haul Bob. Can't wait to see that track cleaning car

Thanks Joe. My goal is this.

My AEC "Glow in the Dark" train is growing (received these recently):

AEC Glow-In-The-Dark Tank Car (6-26102):

And this one at the same time: AEC Glow-In-The-Dark Boxcar (6-26215):

Going to be added to these already purchased "Glow in the "Dark":

AEC Security Caboose (6-36718):

And finally this one (is not "Glow in the Dark", but will make a good addition to the above cars) - DODX LOTS 2009 Radioactive Waste Flatcar w/Radioactive Containers (6-52552):

Today I received a K-Line Golden State Streamliner which I got off ebay to convert it to a troop transport for my military train.  I decided to make my own decals too.  Happy how it came out.

I know they're not the best pictures , but it is in very nice shape. 1950 773 I picked up at a secondhand store today in Wisconsin . I also recently picked up a post-war Canadian Pacific 2373 set with passenger cars and all the boxes and original wrapping paper

Very cool, MattR

More styrene for current and future projects.

Bob, you have certainly been on a mission.

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Bob, you have certainly been on a mission.

Lot's of irons in the fire at the moment Jay.

Unfortunately the CEO keeps blasting them with the extinguisher.

Not cool, as l think only Packard had A/C in 1940, but with the Bay parking lots full of sharply discounted Brooklin Graham two-doors, in several colors. l had glommed a couple for my Graham dealership, but wanted another body style for the showroom .  Discovered Neo had a resin 1940 four door Graham,  and managed to get one, in blue.  Both of these versions are 1/43 but good for an about to vanish make's dealership in 1940.  My other dealership is for Nash and there is another, sadly, expensive, 1940 body style, beyond my sedan....l think a coupe and a convertible.  So l am lurking.

This will be the newest addition to my layout,

P.R.S.L. AS-616 Diesel
M.T.H. Railking  Proto 3.0
NEW ROAD NUMBER: 6017

I just pre-ordered this item today. It is an MTH, Proto-3  special run that is exclusively available from a hobby shop in Wildwood, NJ. I cannot mention the name of the shop because I am not not sure if they are an OGR Forum/Magazine advertiser. I got a lead on this locomotive through the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines Historical Society of which I am a charter member. Those who know me know that I am a steam locomotive fanatic an not much of a Diesel guy. But. I am adding this to my larger-than-necessary fleet of locomotives because the price is great and I actually saw the prototype of this model in the early 1960's at Thirtieth Street Station, Philadelphia while passing through on a Pennsylvania RR passenger train en route to Penn Station, New York. It will go well with the PRSL passenger coaches that I am customizing.

That is a sweet piece of equipment. That’s definitely in my gotta have list.

Added to my Alaska collection this week. I started back in the 80's when I got back into trains for the third or fourth time. (I am

currently on my 5th, 6th, having started in about 2016 with one marx commodore vanderbilt shell from a garage sale.) Anyway,

back in the early 80's there wasn't a lot of Alaska so it was easy to collect, then of course the market just exploded with every

manufacturer dumping expensive sets into the fray. I gave up. Now I just buy postwar and assorted boxcars. Can't afford

ABBA's with tons of electronics and 7 car passenger sets.  The two cabooses were cheap, both have cosmetic issues, but the bodies are excellent, the rest is an easy fix. Got a good price on the gondola.

John

Bought and built this little 1/48 scale model for a Lionel flat car I had.

R. Harrison, while l would also insert "not" into an  O scaler's phrase, "am a diesel fan", l am thrilled that some dealers are cranking out  lesser known roadnames.  Glad you glommed that, and hope this trend of custom runs  keeps up, with better publicity.  There were a great many ignored roads, coast to coast.

Good Morning,

I have a confession and don't judge me. I play with 1/48 scale doll house furniture and proud of it!

Dave

I finally made it up to Mr. Muffin's to pick up some auction winnings from June. I have coveted this set for a long time, and feel so lucky to finally have it. I love all of Monon's locomotives, but I've always felt their red/grey F3s are the most iconic, but that's just me.

This is "The Thoroughbred" set made by MTH back in 2014 as a custom run for Mr. Muffin's. Firstly, there is the F3 AA set, which is MTH-20436-1.

And then there are the passenger cars. This is MTH 20-65250.

While I was up at the train shop, I went ahead and bought a couple boxcars. The first one here is Lionel 2026062.

And then this is Lionel 2026092 below.

Lastly, I also had an eBay purchase show-up. This is MTH 20-98828 below, cataloged back in 2011.

Went to a train show in Dayton Saturday, first one in awhile. I couldn't pass up this 623 survivor for $90.00, it looks like did the day it was made and runs like it also. Like I need another switcher...also found AEC tank car for $20.00 new in the box.

Got back from the Greenberg show in Edison with a lot more stuff than I thought!

I guess the train show withdrawal got to me hard. It was great to be back in one, regardless.

Hard to believe I got the MTH Premier Southern PS4, Lionel 1989 B6, the 4 Standard O freight cars, and operating log car for under $525!

I brought this home from the LHS today. Premier plated ATSF DL109 with PS3.

This

Well I actually didn’t buy it , it was given to me .   A friend of mine was cleaning out a basement and came across a few boxes of trains and sent them my way !! I also got a box of HO and a few N gauge cars 👍👍

Since the Spring I have been monitoring lumber prices. A friend, who is knowledgeable, called to give me the heads up on this unusually high quality batch. He was purchasing some for a project at his home. So, today I pulled the trigger and bought the lumber for my bench work. They are kiln dried, straight as an arrow, Douglas fir 10’ 2x4s.

I thought I posted this, but guess not. Anyway, a Toys R Us 5 piece "bullet train".  Very close to O gauge. Battery powered.

Missing one wheel set and one drive wheel. Picked it up on epay for 8 bucks. Further details when I get a chance to

work on it.

john

I found a pair of Hornby wheels that were a similiar diameter, a cut down axle and some superglue and I had a wheel set.

Put it back together and set it on the track, turned it on and it did not move. Turns out there is a bump in the gearbox to

clear the gears that is exactly in the center, so when you set in on three rail track the bump holds the wheels off the track.

****, it was a neat train.

John

I love this magazine but can't get it at any local book store. You can't subscribe to it in the US and the only vendor who said they could ship it monthly wanted almost $40 an issue! Two vendors have them each month but they charge more than $10 a copy for shipping. Darn, I love reading it!

It's not even that common in the UK, as I couldn't find a copy the last time I was there in 2018...

So, I've taken to finding recently-used copies from US folks on eBay. If the local Barnes and Noble would carry it (as they carry other Brit model train mags), I'd buy it each month. Really neat stuff, always something you've never seen before as a modeling theme.

They have international themes but they have to be British-made layouts. Yes, I checked as I'd love to have my layout in this magazine...

Just received this MTH IAIS GP38-2 from Tainz via eBay.  It’s pretty much brand new with less than 20 minutes on the chronograph.   Have wanted an IAIS GP38-2 since I have several ES44ACs in that road name.  It’s my first 2 rail locomotive.  So it needs Kadee couplers, would anyone please let me know which ones to get?  

Larry

@Lou1985 posted:

I brought this home from the LHS today. Premier plated ATSF DL109 with PS3.

WOW.....

...........don't  know what something like this would set the household budget back.....but.....can't figure what else could be as important and fun . 😁

@Dallas Joseph posted:

WOW.....

...........don't  know what something like this would set the household budget back.....but.....can't figure what else could be as important and fun . 😁

Well less than a mortgage payment. So affordable?

Lionel Girls Train (1991 reissue)!

This one, and the actual Post War version, are bucket list sets for me.

Got a cheapie General set today, Redwood Valley Express. Decent price, not so decent shipping. But hey, runs fine and it is

a General. Now I just need a refresher course on installing bridge rectifiers.

John

Something that's been in my eBay saved search for years that I finally found a few days ago. K-Line by Lionel Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee Interurban set.

Working on a full review now.

@beardog49 posted:

Got a cheapie General set today, Redwood Valley Express. Decent price, not so decent shipping. But hey, runs fine and it is

a General. Now I just need a refresher course on installing bridge rectifiers.

John

I got my Redwood Valley set a couple of years back, and the first thing I did was install a Lionel 610-0103-100 into my engine - it will change the AC to DC, then supply the necessary electronics to give you Forward - Neutral - Reverse, all for only $24 + shpg, or you can catch Lionel's 50% off parts sale coming up  September 24-26 and get it for only $12 + shpg!!!!

George

Got this in the mail today. Motor works and original bottles. Waiting for the pads I ordered to come. Also I need to buy some fluid.

@beardog49 posted:

I found a pair of Hornby wheels that were a similiar diameter, a cut down axle and some superglue and I had a wheel set.

Put it back together and set it on the track, turned it on and it did not move. Turns out there is a bump in the gearbox to

clear the gears that is exactly in the center, so when you set in on three rail track the bump holds the wheels off the track.

****, it was a neat train.

John

Any way to grind down the plastic hump w/o damaging the internal gears ?

I have thought of that, but for now it is in the box

John

Got Mickey and Minnie yesterday, my first postwar lionel handcar ever. Goes nicely with the rest. Now the question arises

again, are four of them an official collection???

Geopeg, how and where would I install the circuit board. And how would I find this lionel sale?

Could this circuit board be installed in an AC loco by another maker?

Thanks, John

@beardog49 posted:

Geopeg, how and where would I install the circuit board. And how would I find this lionel sale?

Could this circuit board be installed in an AC loco by another maker?

Thanks, John

In response to your question about the F/S FORUM. Replies are not permitted as per the TOS. Similarly, adding a comment to bump the thread to the top of the frequent posts list is also not permitted.

Also received these yesterday. Two Hornby Bugatti autorail sets. I believe the one unit blue PLM is prewar, while the

two unit red SNCF is postwar. The PLM is pretty rough, but I have never seen another for sale. Plus they both came from

one seller in France and when you get an opportunity to combine shipping from France, do it.

I purchased a Lionel NY Yankee's Berk that had a broken cowcatcher.  I was able to find an all-black Berk shell which would be a perfect replacement for the NY Yankee shell but the all-black shell needed to be painted. I enlisted Christine Braden to paint the shell white adding NY Yankee's pinstripes to the cab and the tender.  She did a fantastic job, pure artistry.

I picked up this postwar 2242 New Haven set with all but one original boxes . The boxes aren't in the best shape but they're not terrible. The trains themselves are in really nice shape.

@FrankRazz posted:

I purchased a Lionel NY Yankee's Berk that had a broken cowcatcher.  I was able to find an all-black Berk shell which would be a perfect replacement for the NY Yankee shell but the all-black shell needed to be painted. I enlisted Christine Braden to paint the shell white adding NY Yankee's pinstripes to the cab and the tender.  She did a fantastic job, pure artistry.

PHOTOS?????

Got my first articulated steamer today, a Williams brass Challenger in Rio Grande Livery. Also got a Lionel 6-18009 NYC Mohawk.

@Pingman posted:

PHOTOS?????

I still see the photo in my original posting, wonder why it didn't come up for you??.  Here is the picture again;

Very nice acquisition Frank. I’m sure Arnold C would need one of them.

I don't think they sell these in the US, but you can find them, hardbound 'best of' this magazine released each year. I bought a few at a model train show and will nab one on ePay if it's in the US...

This beauty arrived from the MLRRC yesterday.

All of this for my track cleaning car bash- looks like a mess now but I bought 5-packs of everything so I'd have extras for future projects. Made more sense and was cheaper.

@Big Jim posted:

This beauty arrived from the MLRRC yesterday.

Jim, I'm glad you posted this! I was unaware of the car. Just ordered one. Being originally from WI, of course I had to have this beer car. The only improvement I'd make is instead of "hefe weizen beer" I would have suggested "hefe weizen bier." No big deal, though. Really a great looking car.

I just got this.  I’ve been looking for one for quite a while.  

@RixTrack posted:

I just got this.  I’ve been looking for one for quite a while.  

I never saw that one before.  it looks great!

Found this Atlas O Gluek's Beer car on the bay a few months ago. These are among the most scarce of Atlas O woodside reefers. Been a very long time since I've seen one. There is a red and a blue version, which I had, but (foolishly) sold the blue one about 12 or something years ago. Been looking ever since to replace it, and did a double take when I saw this MOB one show up. My red version now finally has company!

Good job Lionel - really like this

@RSJB18 posted:

All of this for my track cleaning car bash- looks like a mess now but I bought 5-packs of everything so I'd have extras for future projects. Made more sense and was cheaper.

Wow, Bob... thanks for the nasty flashback there. I haven’t seen an Interoffice envelope in almost 10 years

@Apples55 posted:

Wow, Bob... thanks for the nasty flashback there. I haven’t seen an Interoffice envelope in almost 10 years

😂😂😂😂😂

I have been looking for a Delta Lines boxcar for quite awhile. Finally found one. This one is by Crown Model Products.

1957 Chevy Bel Air police car by Kinsmart and Copper Range Boxcar Decals.

Bought this at The Greenberg train show.  I had another bottle of smoke fluid but it broke 😩😩

My acquisitions from Kutztown P a today.

John

Well I found something unusual on e-bay.  Marx (modern) lithographed bill boards.  These are lithographed tinplate and have a built in "stand" so that they stand upright in use.  The date on the bottom of each bill board says 1994 so this is most certainly the "new" Marx company.  However they used the old Marx slogan " ... have you all of them?"  As far as representing a period, these clearly were supposed to represent the pre-war depression days, note on the "Winger" bill board, the NRA symbol.   Now I face the choice (comments appreciated) do I open this sealed container to take the bill boards out or not???

Don

Open them up and use them for their intended purpose which what you bought them for. Holding on to them in their packaging to sell later is most definitely not going to make you rich, so set them up on your layout, sit back and enjoy. Just my $2.00 (.02 adjusted for inflation LOL!)

I think I agree. Not really that valuable as a collectors item and more valuable as part of my layout.
thanks for the input.

Don

Just got these off ebay..

Back in the 90's I had a friend who was a friend of Jim Flynn. He brought me a set of these billboards when he found out I was interested in trains. My friends name was Winger and he did have a building services company. At the time Jim did have a dog named Moon.

If I remember right, this may have been the first product of the new Marx company.

I found this at a garage sale today. Dept 56 "LOADING THE SLEIGH". Cheap and actually all there, excellent and works. Looked it up on the net and prices range from $400 on amazon to $65 on epay. A lot more than I paid. May have to look for a place on the christmas layout. I have to put it away for now, Miss Kitty is terribly interested.

Best, John

@beardog49 posted:

I found this at a garage sale today. Dept 56 "LOADING THE SLEIGH". Cheap and actually all there, excellent and works. Looked it up on the net and prices range from $400 on amazon to $65 on epay. A lot more than I paid. May have to look for a place on the christmas layout. I have to put it away for now, Miss Kitty is terribly interested.

Best, John

Great find. I was focused on the hand car until I realized someone else was watching too!

Beardog49 THANK YOU for the input on my bill boards...the background and history are what make this hobby great fun to me.   Its fascinating to think that the advertisements may have been grounded in real life.  Thanks again.  Also, I really liked the Dept 56 "Unloading the Sleigh" but I think your cat liked it more !!  I watched a second time and tracked his head movements and he followed the hand car both directions.  That was neat!

FECrailroading...really neat cars, they are very detailed and realistic.  Who made them?

Best wishes

Don

The past week I got bit by the MTH Railking Army flat cars, so I got a 4 pack of the Half-track from Mario's Trains, a single car each of the 6x6 and the 105mm Howitzer from Stockyard Express. Currently waiting to find the DUKW 353 but thank goodness York is in sight.

Also got a MTH PCC streetcar modeled for Cleveland, MTH Western Maryland fishbelly hopper, and a Lionel T&P boxcar.

@Apples55 posted:

Wow, Bob... thanks for the nasty flashback there. I haven’t seen an Interoffice envelope in almost 10 years

4 years here.

Corey, nice haul.

Radioman, my Tabby will watch my trains run but once the get to going that slow he likes to reach out and grab them.

Don nice string of 2 bays.  I'm sure you'll get the K-line loads right.

I don't have to worry about pets as my house is pet free. That generator car has some sentimental value so if it was roughed up I think I would be sad. Rest of my trains are runners so the grand kids can play with them. Small price to get another MRR or railfan. John

Ha, no intercompany envelopes since 1989

I guess I am the newbie here.  It's been only 2 years since I saw an interdepartmental envelope.  I think I saw my first one right out of college in 1976.  Those never seem to change.

@beardog49 posted:

I found this at a garage sale today. Dept 56 "LOADING THE SLEIGH". Cheap and actually all there, excellent and works. Looked it up on the net and prices range from $400 on amazon to $65 on epay. A lot more than I paid. May have to look for a place on the christmas layout. I have to put it away for now, Miss Kitty is terribly interested.

Best, John

Really neat John.     Pretty interesting look in the eyes of Miss Kitty. 

Gives me an idea 🤔😉

Saw this on the For-Sale forum and took a shot.  It brings back memories, I used to see this train occasionally when I was at 69th Street and at Norristown.  It took a little TLC to get it running again, but the price was right.  I treated it to a supercap battery replacement and an LED headlight.  I may consider LED lighting, but it's more work for this particular set as you have to string them on both sides.

Now that is a unique acquisition John. I spent the last part of my transit career at the former Red Arrow location. The old timers referred to them as “The Boozer Cruiser “. It was brought out to 3 track about a half hour before the scheduled departure. I’m not sure of how the bartending was arranged. Legend has it that the regulars rode to Norristown and got off at their stop on the return trip. Also, the regulars came to know when to automatically pick up their drink to prevent spilling.
The track gang blamed the weight of this train for damaging the rails. Please post photos of it operating.

I never actually rode this one, but I did know several people that did, and that was one of their selling features, booze on the trip home from work!

You can't beat that! 

I used to ride a Metra /former CNW  commuter train out of Chicago everyday after work. It had one of or perhaps the only bar car on any chicago commuter train. The bartender was an old black guy who had started as a porter many years before.  I believe they were keeping the car until he retired, then there would  be no more bar cars.

I took Amtrak to NYC from Paoli, PA for several years in the 80's, usually once or twice a week.  Coming home, we spent some time in the club car.   I don't even know if they have that anymore.  Amtrak eliminated the direct train from Paoli to NYC Penn Station and started going to Phila 30th street station and then up to NYC.  That added almost an hour to the trip and made it not worthwhile.  I switched to driving to Trenton and taking NJT to Newark and PATH to the WTC.  Even that took more time that I liked, and service stopped sometimes before I was ready to leave.  I ended up driving into NYC, it was quicker and I could work to my own schedule.

Neat train John. Please post a video when you can.

I used to ride the LIRR when they ran Bar cars on the evening east-bound trains. They were also the smoking cars..... I had to hang my clothes outside they stunk so bad.

@RSJB18 posted:

Neat train John. Please post a video when you can.

Here you go, a brief video of it making a few stops.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Here you go, a brief video of it making a few stops.

Nice,

John