Figured this should be a separate topic from 1309.

Anyway, several years ago, the WM purchased former Colorado & Southern wood coach #543 and moved it from Colorado to Maryland.

Does anyone know what became of 543 after its move to the east coast?

Thanks

Jason Midyette

Here is an old thread, with photos (always seemed like an odd acquisition to me, unless they were planning a contrived Old West style act): viewtopic.php?f=1&t=41016

Given that the WMSR stated that the car was similar to those once seen on the Wild Mary, it could've been given the 734 treatment

Well, the radio silence on this car probably says it all. I am going to speculate that this is a case of no news is NOT good news. (and yes, I have tried calling the WM directly).

If I had to guess I would say that, best case, C&S 543 is quietly rotting away in the weeds, most likely outcome was that it was scrapped after the management team that brought it to the WM left. Hopefully I am wrong, but good and even mediocre outcomes are usually shared, bad ones not so much.

(For the record, I am not criticizing or complaining about the WM, it was their car to do with as needed, I am just genuinely curious to know what became of the car)

Jason Midyette

I messaged them about it on facebook, that sometimes works. It certainly would have been more appropriate to leave it in Colorado, re-gauged say, than to pay to move it and then let it rot.

I received a response: "It is in storage awaiting funding." No more, no less.

Thanks for asking them and posting the reply. Good to hear that 543 still exists and may yet live to fight another day.

Jason Midyette