| The car began life (above) in 1910 as SP 1165, a 60' Harriman coach. In 1952 it was refitted as a crane tender, 7034E, when the caboose-like rear platform and brake wheel were added and the interior gutted for work equipment. It was apparently involved in a wreck and ended up in a scrap yard where some enterprising souls bought it for $900 in 1964 (two photos at right). They gutted it one more time, sandblasted the interior and exterior and then began turning it into a private car-like cabin. Then they trucked all 43 tons up into the mountains. When we bought it in early 2003, rats and vandals had once again turned it into a wreck. We cleaned it up and enjoyed the warm fireplace for several years but now it is with the Virginia & Truckee Railroad in Virginia City, Nevada, where it will be restored. |
