Thought it would be interesting to perhaps take a look at a few things that certainly aren't preserved, however might have good merit to see a preservation effort.

How about this R-50b, ex PRR / Railway Express Agency, refrigerator car, less its trucks, on the ground in Lewistown Pennsylvania. To my knowledge, only one other of this class of car survives and is at the Railroad Museum in Altoona Pennsylvania . I believe these cars ( of which 550 were constructed ) were built in 1929 and I believe stayed in service till 1968. These cars were lettered Pennsylvania on one side of the center door and Railway Express Agency Refrigerator on the other side of the door. In the picture of the car in Lewistown PA, taken last month, the car sits on the ground and is likely just being used for storage. This car lacks its PRR PD-P5 4 wheel trucks, however its 1 of only 2 that I believe exist.

Certainly a unique interesting car, that survives ( somehow ) Note in the photographs the original lettering bleeding through

Worthy of preservation, or not ?


Dean Levin

The trucks will NOT be easy to replace.

But mark my words, knowing the guys who run the short line where this car sits, if it CAN be preserved, it WILL be.

Caveat: I'm not sure if this car relic is on NS or Rail Authority property, and either way it's still not technically owned by the short line for which the rail preservationists work.

Wayne? Did you have any experience with this particular relic?

the only other car preserved of its class in Altoona... Looking at the picture in Lewistown and the picture in Altoona, does the car in Altoona lack its wooden roof walk... ( I don't see the supports ) ...?

( second question )

what is with the truck color on this car ? ( is that correct ? )...


Dean Levin

Dean -

I'd say, worthy.

Les

Yes, the olive trucks are appropriate for PRR circa 1930's. I love that look.

I remember a rumor of an R-50B in Ohio somewhere...

Rob