The Danbury Railway Museum's RDC #32 is back in operation for the 2004 season. This unit is no stranger to the yard in Danbury. Since it was delivered to the New Haven RR in June of 1953, it operated much of the time on the Danbury Branch. In this second picture #32 is pulling alongside #41, which is now privately owned, but, when not out on a charter run, lives at the DRM. It was originally part of the Roger Williams.
Peirce, I sure am glad to see all of that hard work come to it's fruition. For those not familiar, this RDC went through a ground up restoration by the volunteers of the museum. The last time that I visited, Peirce showed us the work that was going on which included new floorwork, new seating and they were welding one of the driveshafts. I certainly encourage everyone to visit the museum as all of the monies got towards similar restorations. Happy railroading! Russ
You are so right, Russ. This project took seven years of hard work by Nancy Sniffen and her volunteer crew. There are several other projects the DRM is raising money for and looking for volunteers to do the work. A couple are, NH RS-11 number 1402 and B&M 2-6-0 Mogul number 1455.
It sure is nice to shots of the old Budd cars! I grew up along the old B&M and rode many a time on their Budds and those of the old New Haven. I can almost hear them and feel the sway. Now I know I have to go down and see them! Thanks for the photos! Joe
I do have one question though. The headlight housing is not original NH equipment. Were you planning on replacing the headlight to it's proper location above the end doors and nix the housings? Or would this be too involved? It looks to me like there are plates over the original position above the end doors. Bill Shanaman
