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From: "Tupaczewski, Paul R (Paul)" paultup AT lucent DOT com
Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2004 09:01:19 -0400
Subject: RE: (erielack) DL&W/EL Phoebe Snow Tavern Lounge Cars
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Bill Botkin asked:

> I understand that the two former DL&W/EL Phoebe Snow Tavern
> Lounges are currently in service on Metro North. Does anyone
> know the actual operation of these cars:
> a.. What trains
> b.. What lines operated on
> c.. Type of accommodation that is offered in these cars
> (i.e., extra fare, parlor seating, etc. ) My apologies if
> this topic has already been covered. Thanks.


"Service" is a relative term here. Originally, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York (MTA) purchased the cars for use on the LIRR, where they were renamed with Native American names appropriate to that area (EL 789 became LIRR 2081, "Aquebogue" and EL 790 became LIRR 2082, "Asharoken") Apparently, between 6-76 and 11-77, the 789 was known as the "South Shore" (though not officially being renamed) and used as a commuter club car. The two cars were used as Parlor Cars for LIRR service out to Montauk ("end of the line!")

They were retired from this service in 1979, and transferred to Conrail's "Metropolitan Region" (today's Metro-North) in January of 1981. Finally, when Metro-North was founded in 1983, these two cars went to M-N, where they received a moderate rebuilding and new numbers - 1 and 2, respectively.

Today, the cars primarily reside in a tail track at Grand Central Terminal, without public access. Alternately, these cars are sometimes stored/maintained at M-N's Croton Shops. They are used for inspection trains, primarily (there was a photo of them in Railpace about 3 months ago on a business trip), though they have been used on public excursions (see the attached shots of yours truly riding the former 790 on the 150th Anniversary of the NYC&HR public excursion ride - yes, I have a wide grin here :)

These cars have operated over all Metro-North lines - they have even made it to the west side of the Hudson to tour the former Erie to Port Jervis. The car interiors have not been changed all that drastically from EL days (and if I can find my pictures, I'll post them) - they did remove all the nice lounge seating with boring office desk chairs...

- Paul



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