SerpApi.Org
LACONIA, N.H. - The 470 Railroad Club has purchased the former Maine Central Railroad business car No. 333, according to the July 21 Facebook post by the non-profit organization.
Built by the Pullman Co. in 1924, the car features its original mahogany woodwork, hardware and fittings, including beds, toilets and full kitchen facilities. The layout contains four private rooms for railroad officials, a meeting and dining room, an observation room, and rear platform. The No. 333 served as the official business car of E. Spencer Miller, long-time president of Maine Central from 1952 to 1978.
The car recently changed hands multiple times. After extended storage at the Maine Central's Waterville shops, the car was sold to the Hobo Railroad, then to Patriot Rail before being listed for auction at the hands of Ozark Mountain Railcar. 470 Railroad Club, the Portland, Maine-based association dedicated to hosting events and preserving historic equipment in the region, stepped up to the plate.
"While in very good condition, it was decided to keep [No.333] here in New England and most of all, on former Maine Central rails," the 470 Railroad Club's Facebook page states.
Fundraising via GoFundMe is currently underway to raise $8,000. This is to complete the purchase and relocate the car by truck to the Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, N.H. The 470 Railroad Club confirms to Trains.com that No. 333 currently resides roughly 50 miles south in Laconia, N.H. It'll then join the organization's former Boston & Maine GP9 No. 1741; long-term plans call for the car to be returned to operable condition.
Visit the 470 Railroad Club's website and GoFundMe for more information and to contribute.
