Special train at Grand Central

[SouthernRailway]

Tonight on track 34 at Grand Central, I saw 3 1940s/1950s-era streamlined cars, one of which was a lounge-type car with windows cut into one end; one seemed like a former baggage car that had been outfitted with nice-looking furnishings and there was a third car. All were named "Silver" something (on the letterboard over the windows)- Silver Shore was one, I think. Just curious as to what this was?

 

I took a picture but can't figure out how to insert the image (it's not on a website).

[soyintocable]

Try this weblink:

 

http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=67&t=81060&start=0

 

may be owned by a company call Quad Graphics

 

here is another website with lots of fotos of this 4 car train:

 

http://condrenrails.com/WSOR/Quad-Graphics/index.htm

 

Is this what you saw on the tracks in GCT today?

[SouthernRailway]

Yes, that's it (apart from Silver Chalet- no dome car at GCT).

 

I recall a Quad Graphics sign inside the train.

 

So the California Zephyr or its ilk finally comes to GCT.

 

Thanks!

[soyintocable]

Seems like alots of famous trains used Track 34 at GCT:

 

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/12/how-well-do-you-know-your-railroad-history/

[lilbluefoxie]

I saw that thing, I shoulda photographed it but I was worried about being yelled at again. I thought it was some work car of some kind, I remember reading that MNRR execs have this old style car they use to go around the system with.

[Grand Concourse]

Damn, I guess the car is no longer there? I hope someone got pics of it.

[gregorygrice]

I saw them too after I got off the M8s (4/6/11). They were more than happy to let me take photos of their train, Enjoy! (The photos are in the video):

 

 

[Amtrak7]

I saw that thing, I shoulda photographed it but I was worried about being yelled at again. I thought it was some work car of some kind, I remember reading that MNRR execs have this old style car they use to go around the system with.

 

MNR does have an old car for inspections/executives, but it's not that old. It was still in service right before the M7's came, IIRC.

[St Louis Car 09]

I saw them too after I got off the M8s (4/6/11). They were more than happy to let me take photos of their train, Enjoy! (The photos are in the video):

 

 

Now thats a catch!!!

[traildriver]

Yes, that's it (apart from Silver Chalet- no dome car at GCT).

 

I recall a Quad Graphics sign inside the train.

 

So the California Zephyr or its ilk finally comes to GCT.

 

Thanks!

 

Actually there was a period when a through sleeper would be on the Century to be switched in Chicago the next day onto the California Zephyr, among many other combinations that were similarly switched from around 1948 until the late '50's. The Three railroads that operated the CZ (Burlington, Rio Grande, and Western Pacific) all contributed to the CZ equipment pool. Also contributing one car to the pool was the NYC's arch rival, The Pennsylvania Railroad. It was a 10 Roomette, 6 Double Bedroom Budd sleeper, named "Silver Rapids",in stainless steel with California Zephyr letterboard, and PRR and Pullman markings. The CZ New York City car would alternate days between the NYC and the PRR. So once in a while, the PRR would make an appearance of a sort in GCT.:cool:

 

Here is a link to the current owners website http://www.calzephyrrailcar.com/California_Zephyr_Railcar_Charters/Silver_Rapids_files/new_Rapids_History.pdf