DRG Coach 256 and RPO 65 progress!!!

Hello again,

Craig Kumler asked on our 168 post yesterday about the progress on the historic wooden car project. I’m happy to report that we currently have two teams working simultaneously with significant progress on both cars being made. Coach 256 is a particularly significant car, and now that the artifact can speak for itself due to disassembly and rehabilitation work, it does appear that this car is indeed the original 1876 coach. Due to the length being reported as shorter in the 19th century folios, there has been debate as to whether the early folios were in error, the car was lengthened, or it was an entirely different car that assumed the number 256. In the process of rehabilitation, there is no evidence of splicing to lengthen the car so that option seems unlikely. As to the theory that the original Billmeyer and Small car was replaced with a later Jackson and sharpe, it is clear from the construction techniques, design, and materials that this is indeed an early Billmeyer and Small car. In my former life as an archaeologist, I was struck by how much data the material culture contained that documentary evidence often did not. I have included a photo showing the original roof line for the end hoods that is still in place within the later bullnose style roof ends. In all this car is a highly significant artifact dating back to almost the earliest days of the DRG. Do not miss the opportunity to ride this car when placed back in service.

RPO 65 also is progressing nicely with back dating to its 1916 appearance well along. The roof hoods have been extended and new end platforms are being constructed using DRG drawings and construction techniques. This project is somewhat technically challenging in that the original 1887 built cars seem to have been rebuilt multiple times, and keeping the chronology straight has been a challenge. Using documentary research and similar cars as analogs, we feel the recreation to be as accurate as possible. This is more archaeology at work it seems.

We thank you all for your ongoing interest and support in these and the many other projects here at C&TS. Without the enthusiasm of the ng community I doubt many of these activities would occur. Thanks again and I hope to see you all in C&TS country soon!

Best,

Stathi