The Erie Lackawanna Dining Car Preservation Society is pleased to announce that Erie Lackawanna Diner 741 once again wears the proud colors of the Erie Lackawanna, and the exterior restoration of the car is almost complete.


We now need to immediately fund the replacement and installation of new windows throughout the car. To do this we have implemented an Adopt-A-Window campaign.

For a tax-deductible donation of $750, ELDCPS will install a new window and affix a plaque with an inscription of the donor’s choice under the “adopted” window. We are offering sixteen public-space windows up for adoption, and your support will help us complete this crucial part of the restoration.

Double-pane, FRA-approved safety glass will be used in all sixteen windows. Not included in this program are the three kitchen windows, the two end doors, and the two side-access doors.

To learn more about the Adopt a Window program or to make a donation please visit http://www.eldcps.org/donations_adoptawindow.html

This question may have already been answered...or maybe not, either way....was this the EL diner that was on the NH&I back in the 1970's under private (NH&I Volunteer) ownership?

No, that was diner 747 which ended up being converted into an office for a railroad construction firm in Columbus, Ohio. It is still there today along with an ex-NYC baggage car.

Thats a really sharp looking car-can't wait to see (and ride) the whole thing when complete.

However, I have a question. Since my operating rules define a train as an engine, with or without cars, how will you get the key element of your train-the locomotive? I assume the Erie 833 will (did?) head back to NY and while it may be available periodically, what else can be used in keeping the theme or will it be whats available?

Congratulations on a job well done.

You guys are doing a super job, on this car and on the NKP car. Not being from the area, do you have a permanent site and plans for shelter for these jewels?? When and where could we visit and see them in person?

Bob Kutella

To answer Superheater and Bob's questions:

We are fortunate to be working closely with the Delaware Lackawanna Railroad from the beginning of our project. DL President David Monte Verde offered us a place to store our equipment and run it before the first diner was purchased. The line is owned by the two counties it runs through and we have also been working closely with the Rail Authority that manages that ownership.

As for motive power our plans right now are to use DL crews and Alco locomotives for our trains. We have had great personal support from Jim Wilson, owner of the NY&GL and Erie 833 so I am sure we will do something with the 833 again. Locomotive ownership involves a lot of skills and financial commitments that we didn't want to take on. The goal has always been to recreate the experience inside the cars.