There is a restored, old heavyweight car running on excursions in the US these days, marked New York Central 3. It is taller than most old cars and I have seen it several times. It is listed in the consist that SP 4449 will haul from Portland, OR to Minneapolis next month, and on the Trainfest ticket sites, it is shown as "sold out" on all legs. I wonder if it has a very limited number of available seats or if its owner just hooks up and takes his own private group along? I hope to investigate this car on the trip. Do any of you know any more about it? Its owner? Where it "lives?" :tb-confused:
Last night I searched for and found info on this car. It is owned by Lovett Smith, whose father worked for SP and had a lot to do with the 4449 being donated to Portland. He now runs the car from Connecticut and it is about to embark on a 4,000+ mile adventure which will include the 4449 cross country run. :tb-ooh: I emailed Mr. Smith and asked if it would be possible to see the interior of the car while enroute with 4449. He sent a prompt and gracious reply, so I'm looking forward to reporting on this car in a few weeks. Long live New York Central. Oh, and he has painted the name "Portland" on the side of the car for this trip.:tb-biggrin:
