How close? Very close. Let's see your tight close-up and macro shots. I will let you guess what this is, or how, or where it is being used.
I am going to keep you guessing a little longer. However, one of you is getting warm. Not saying which pic, though.
Second one looks like an anchor of sorts on the outside? rail of a turnout. On the point end. My best guess anyway.
The first is a light added to a stainless steel something or other. I have seen HEP connections on the end of restored observation cars that looked like that but never a light. Did they have to put ditch lights on the Budd Yankee Flyer they are restoring? One of the Zephyr trainsets?
I hope this is not added to a "restoration?" The welding doesn't look all too good. If it's not a ditch light, perhaps it's been added to a passenger car, that was used by officials? For observing the line after dark? Boxcab E50
It has to be a passenger car, most likely a Budd Built boat tail observation car. The stainless steel grab/foot step is the give away. Must have been added for some regulation for cars used in excursion service.
I'm thinking budd observation car. errr.... but it could also be the front end of a Burlington E unit. Ok I'm going with the observation car.
Peirce, don't you folks have the Yankee Flyer there at Danbury? I'm guessing the first one is "somewhere" on the YF.
Boston & Maine's #6000, Flying Yankee is being rebuilt at the Claremont & Concord Railroad shops in Claremont Junction, NH. More information is available on the Flying Yankee Restoration website.
