Took a daytrip over to Newport, RI, last week and did not tour a single mansion. Better than that, we visited the Old Colony & Newport Railway. We rode in the parlor car, which is claimed to be the oldest passenger car still in operation in the USA, built in 1884. Parlor Car #74 Parlor Car #74 - Interior The other car in the consist was this coach, built in the early 1900s. This much "newer" GE switcher was the power. A close-up of one of the GE switcher's trucks. Finally, the OC&N station.
Everything looks to be very nicely maintained. Doesn't appear that there are a lot of folks around. What's the history of this operation? Strictly tourist? Or is there a little freight as well? Boxcab E50
I am not very familiar with this railroad. I do know, however, that now they are strictly tourist, but at one time they were both passenger and freight. I believe they got started as a way for Bostonians to get New York by boat without having to sail around Cape Cod. They would take the train to Newport and take a boat from there. The railroad probably served the Navy Base in Newport at one time.
Well, I had to go looking. Found that they have a nice web presence! OC&N Web Site This is part of the former Old Colony Railroad. Their name had me wondering of any historic connection. Boxcab E50
