As we know, the Comet IV cab cars' days as cab cars has long ended. Today, they are only used as trailer coaches.
Several years ago, I noticed that cabs 5011 and 5020 had their end windows plated over, headlight area plated over, and the ditch and strobe lights removed. I assumed at the time the controls in the cab had been removed as well, but as I had only seen those two cars from my train as I operated alongside the back of the MMC, that was speculation on my part.
Over the last three years, besides 5011 and 5020, I had taken note of 5017, and I think 5025 also had gotten this treatment.
And then, this past Monday, I was at Newark Penn when a train arrived with 5028 against the motor, and I saw this car had also gotten the removal work done. As the cab side was facing me, I was able to peek in the window and see that indeed, all the controls have been removed inside, with a sheet metal cover over where they used to me.
So, as of now, that's 5011, 5017, 5020, 5025*, and 5028 that I have seen completely "de-cabbed."
Now the $25,000 question is: is this going to spread to the remaining 16 Comet IV cabs eventually? Or will their eventual retirement beat them to the punch?
Several years ago, I noticed that cabs 5011 and 5020 had their end windows plated over, headlight area plated over, and the ditch and strobe lights removed. I assumed at the time the controls in the cab had been removed as well, but as I had only seen those two cars from my train as I operated alongside the back of the MMC, that was speculation on my part.
Over the last three years, besides 5011 and 5020, I had taken note of 5017, and I think 5025 also had gotten this treatment.
And then, this past Monday, I was at Newark Penn when a train arrived with 5028 against the motor, and I saw this car had also gotten the removal work done. As the cab side was facing me, I was able to peek in the window and see that indeed, all the controls have been removed inside, with a sheet metal cover over where they used to me.
So, as of now, that's 5011, 5017, 5020, 5025*, and 5028 that I have seen completely "de-cabbed."
Now the $25,000 question is: is this going to spread to the remaining 16 Comet IV cabs eventually? Or will their eventual retirement beat them to the punch?
"CSX Detector. Milepost Six Point Four. No Defects. Repeat: No Defects. Total Axles Seven Four Seven. Detector Out"