From a regular reader of ours in California, Tony Gura, comes a report on the restoration of Indiana Railroad car 202, which is being restored at the Western Railway Museum as Portland Traction 4001, its later identity. This car is identical to our IRR 205, which is being cosmetically restored. Tony writes:
I visited the Western Railway Museum on Saturday and thought you might be interested in some pictures of their Indiana Railroad car 202 which just started being restored as Portland Traction 4001. The car is in good structural shape and the restoration is expected to last 2-2.5 years and the only work performed thus far has been to replace the roof and strip the interior. This car is a sister to Indiana Railroad 205, which is being restored by IRM from its Portland colors back to Indiana. Once complete, they are planning to use this car as their main car in service since it is built of steel, rather than wood, so it would handle the winter weather better and allow the other wood cars some well deserved rest.
PS You have inspired me to volunteer to help restore this car. I may not know how to do any work but they have a need for unskilled labor.
PS You have inspired me to volunteer to help restore this car. I may not know how to do any work but they have a need for unskilled labor.
(All photographs courtesy Anthony Gura)
