MORRISVILLE, PA – Northeast Rail Heritage, Inc. (NRH) is pleased to announce the acquisition of former SEPTA Silverliner III electric multiple-unit car #238. Built in 1967 by the St. Louis Car Company, the Silverliner III fleet represented a major step forward in modern electric commuter rail service in the Philadelphia region.
Originally constructed for the Pennsylvania Railroad and later inherited by Penn Central, Conrail, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), the Silverliner III cars served the region for 45 years. Entering service in 1967, the Silverliner IIIs became synonymous with daily commuter operations across SEPTA’s Regional Rail system until their retirement in 2012. Of the 20 cars in service, 238 is the sole survivor of a class that helped define modern suburban railroading in the Northeast.
“This car represents an era of railroading that millions of Philadelphia-area riders experienced firsthand,” said Mike Huhn, NRH President. “Preserving 238 ensures that an important chapter of Philadelphia-area transportation history is not lost. Our goal is to stabilize, cosmetically restore, and interpret the car for public education and potential display.”
Ultimately, plans call to cosmetically restore #238 to its “Yellowbird” livery, reflective of its SEPTA Airport Line service years. Further restoration and display details will be announced as plans are finalized. NRH extends its sincere thanks to Sullivan’s Scrap, Conrail, and SMS Rail Lines for their assistance in ensuring the preservation of this historic railcar.
Established in 2024 by passionate rail enthusiasts and railroad professionals, Northeast Rail Heritage, Inc. is committed to educating future generations by preserving and restoring historic railroad equipment central to the history of the Northeastern United States.
To learn more or support the preservation of No. 238, visit http://www.NortheastRailHeritage.org.
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