(erielack) Erie/DL&W/EL Diner Project

[Jjbchian_@_cs.com]

To all listers, 

I have read the recent threads in regard to the Diner project. 

All of us who are directly involved in this, believe very strongly that it is 
important to rescue a Diner, which was once used on the EL, and restore it to 
operation. Our original focus was to purchase and restore one of the Phoebe 
Snow cars. Thanks to, I think, Doug Major for informing members on the list 
that the car was available. The "spark" so to speak was lit, and soon a group 
was formed who would be interested in acquiring and restoring Diner 470. We 
were interested in acquiring the car due to its historical significance to 
the DL&W and the EL. The Erie people who are directly involved in this, 
joined us with the soul intention of only acquiring the 470. Their was no 
mention of looking at anything else.

As Tim Stuy has already reported, 470 slipped through our fingers even before 
we were able to inspect the car. We were very disappointed, but their was 
nothing we could do, as AOE paid the owner in cash. Case closed, nothing more 
could be done their. 

We then started to investigate the possibility of acquiring 470s sister, 469. 
But this car for all intents and purposes is out of our reach at the present 
time. This is due to mechanical questions concerning its structural 
integrity, as well as exactly who owns it. Our initial and follow up inquires 
where not received very favorably. We do intend to pursue its acquisition by 
us. Period. But we are realistic enough to realize that for now, the car is 
out of our reach. Their is just so much we can do.

With the 470 sold, and the 469 not really available. We explored the only 
other option, looking at several Erie cars that might be available. If we are 
to acquire a dining car, then this was the only other alternative. Otherwise, 
we would have to "fold our tent" and go home.

The Erie heavyweight Diners were really classy inside, for those of you who 
remember.
Pullman elegance from the 1920s, still being used in the 1960s. 

I completely understand the passion people have for the predecessor companies 
that resulted in the merger of the Erie Lackawanna on October 17, 1960. For 
any of us to have a good memory of the DL&W or the Erie before the merger, 
then that person would be at least 55 or over. I think that most of the 
people who participate in "The EL Digest" grew up with the EL, or are a 
recent fan of the railroad. 

For those of you who remember EL's through service equipment, it was painted 
in the official EL colors of gray, maroon and yellow. Of course, their were 
exceptions, as I have pictures of Erie 6-6-4 Pullmans in two-tone green as 
late as 1968/1969. This is one reason we have proposed to start out with the 
GMY on the Diner, as this is how most of us would have remembered the car.  A 
return to Erie green at a later date, with a trip to PO and on to Bingo would 
certainly be in order! (Anyone for a ride on the Lake Cities over the Erie? 
Or the Erie-Lackawanna Limited over the DL&W?) 

I would like to ask how many listers remember and rode EL's through service?

Tony Horn and others have indicated that they will continue to support the 
project with their financial and verbal support. Doug, I hope that you would 
reconsider. This is how we can make this happen. Please keep in mind, that EL 
long distance service ended over 31 years ago. For us to acquire one of the 
Diner's that is in restorable condition so long after EL long haul service 
ended, is a miracle in itself.

I grew up during the EL era, but except for my Father, my family worked for 
the Erie, and I always have been an Erie fan. However, I can certainly 
appreciate and enjoy the stately Lackawanna, with its manicured right of way, 
employees with high morale, and the "heads up" operation. Today, I am an EL 
guy, but like both the Erie and the DL&W equally. 

Let us put aside our passions, and prejudices for the predecessor companies, 
and all work together. 

John Boehner
Vice-president, EL Diner Project
ELHS #648

  

 

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