OK, here is the answer to the first picture. Look on the left end of this observation/lounge car. Delaware & Ulster (Acadian) Budd round end parlor-observation car #9061 #9061 was built for the New York Central Railroad’s first-class parlor car service in 1948 as NYC #61, an “Observation/10 seat lounge/30 seat parlor” car. #61 trailed the likes of NYC’s famous crack daytime express trains such as the Twilight Limited (Chicago and Detroit), Empire State Express (New York and Cleveland/Detroit) and the James Whitcomb Riley (Chicago-Cincinnati), and would have been hauled by NYC’s famed Hudsons, Niagara’s and E-unit express passenger diesels – streaking across the countryside at 80 mph. #9061 is equipped for all creature comforts and was completely refitted in the mid 1990’s. When the outside is repainted, it will again carry its original #61 designation as it trails the D&U’s new Rip Van Winkle Flyer luxury mini-cruise train. My thanks to Dave Riordan of the Delaware and Ulster RR for the above information.
Jim- I don't see how it could be original. It looks recent. And, as I'd earlier noted, the welding job....... Probably installed, as the current operator needs to make back-up moves. Boxcab E50
OK, here is a full shot of the unit where I found the rivets and that other thing. No, it is not a trick shot, or done with mirrors. And it is not steam. This is a double ended, short boom crane, built to work in the tunnels of Grand Central Terminal, New York. It is all electric, intended to run on 3rd-rail power. It was equiped with batteries so it could get across the many gaps in the 3rd rail under GCT.
Does that crane still exist? If so, when it's "day" finally arrives, and the RR disposes of this item, something so unique should be preserved! Boxcab E50
Here is a zoom in on the side sill. It is that thing on the left below the window. Anyone care to guess what that photo I posted is? http://www.railimages.com/albums/russellstraw/apk.jpg
The double-ended crane is on long-term loan to the Danbury Railway Museum. That is where I made my pictures.
I knew this one would be easier. The left end of this Sperry Car is the rear and that is where the truck is located.
