In yet another "surprise" development, today 1938-built PRR "Fleet of Modernism" bar-lounge 8119 Harbor Springs followed its FOM sister down to Cumberland/Ridgeley on the Western Md. Scenic RR.


Photo by Marc Lingenfelter

Reportedly, both cars had been purchased by local railroad firm Curry Rail, and have been donated to the WMSR outright.

The car had been built as a 5DBR-lounge in 1938, and for years had languished in the siding of Altoona RRers Memorial Museum neighbor Altoona Pipe & Steel.

Thread from eleven years ago about the cars in question, in spite of the wrong name in the subject/title:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=27140

Does WMSR operate two complete trainsets?

They haven't, normally............ I'm not even sure that they can. They would need a siding to ditch a second set into, and that's their runaround track at Frostburg......

(They have, to my knowledge, run both a regular train and photo freight charter at the same time, but not sure how the pull off passing and all that.)

It's the Grand Canyon Railway that can field two "full" trainsets of regular and premium cars, plus another "Harriman"/"Polar Express" open window trainset.

This would be the other Fleet of Modernism car I believe in Altoona.

Altoona definitely had a bit of overload in rolling stock they couldn’t keep in good condition. Good to know it’s going to a place where it hopefully can be taken care of.

I hope both of these cars see a return to their former glory in their old PRR Livery.

I hadn't put my Wayner's away yet.

Harbor Springs was also built by Pullman Standard in 1938, but for service on PRR's flagship Broadway Limited. Configuration was 2 Double Bedrooms, Secretary's Room, Barber Shop, Shower Bath, Bar Lounge, Plan 4077, lot 6550.

It was rebuilt in April, 1943 with 5 DB, Buffet Lounge Plan 4077A, undoubtedly to provide more sleeper space during the war. PRR assigned number 8118 in 1945.

Here are diagrams of the car as a 5 DB Buffet Lounge:

http://prr.railfan.net/diagrams/PRRdiag ... PS5L&fr=GS
http://prr.railfan.net/diagrams/PRRdiag ... z=sm&fr=GS
http://prr.railfan.net/diagrams/PRRdiag ... z=sm&fr=GS

Note again Loewy's disdain for windows in his lounge cars.

Note that the photos show both Jacks Narrows and Harbor Springs have Pullman 43-R triple bolster trucks. Later prewar sleepers had Pullman 41-HR single bolster drop equalizer trucks, and lasted much longer in revenue sleeper service.

Phil Mulligan