A reader sent me several great pictures of Yosemite Valley #330, a parlor-obs car now at Niles Canyon, being restored. This car is of interest because it was built by the Hicks Locomotive and Car Works, and was also a roadside diner for many years. All photos by Anthony Gura. He writes:
On Saturday, March 27, I rode a special train at the Niles Canyon Railway behind SP Pacific 2472 pulling a Harriman combine, Harriman coach, All Day Lunch Car, which is similar to a dining car but with a smaller kitchen, and Yosemite Valley 330 brought up the markers. 
The interior was missing the mahogany woodwork, but this allowed up close viewing of the construction methods. As built, the forward end was a coach section, followed by a lounge with wicker chairs. The coach portion will be kept open for special events, but the lounge will be restored to its as built condition. This will be a beautiful car once restoration is completed, but even now with its skeleton showing the car is attractive to the Civil Engineer in me.
Not surprisingly, most of the construction details look very similar to the 309, when it was missing most of its walls.
Except for the obs platform.
Thanks!!!
Randall,
ReplyDeleteThe Niles Canyon Railway is our steam here in the SF Bay Area. They also make space available for other people and groups like the Golden Gate Railroad Museum.
That YV #330 was a wreck when they started and now it is a jewel! And they still have a lot of car to restore. you should see the art glass!
Ted Miles