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The restoration of DL&W MU Subscription Club Car is a long-term project. The Whippany Railway Museum
http://www.WhippanyRailwayMuseum.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is utilizing the services of Star Trak, Inc. located at the URHS restoration facility in Boonton, NJ. Currently all of the earlier paint layers have been removed and the carbody and roof are now coated in primer paint. The lower, rotted portions of steel along the bottom and ends of the car have been cut out and refitted with new metal work. Repairs were made to a minor leak in a portion of the copper-clad roof. Steps and vestibule platforms are in the process of being rebuilt. Museum volunteers have removed all window frames, and they have been refurbished and fitted with new glazing. A notable feature of No. 2454's original 1912 construction is the stained-glass window panels above each large passenger window. Some time after the 1930 rebuild of the car for electric MU service, the stained-glass windows were plated over to give the car a more “modern” appearance. Museum volunteers removed all the plating and found that the original 1912-era wood framing and stained glass panels were still in place and intact. The wooden frames for the stained-glass unfortunately did not age well and were all removed and have been totally re-fabricated.
As for the interior, which is in remarkably good condition considering the three decades of non-maintenance and exposure to vandalism and the elements, WRyM staff have cleared the car of all carpeting and debris. Volunteers have already begun restoration of the interior of the car, including all woodwork, ceiling panels, light fixtures, seating, etc. The Club Car will eventually move to its new home at Whippany, NJ once Star Trak completes its part of the restoration process. Operation on the Museum's excursion trains is still a good two years away.
Three images attached showing the recent progress so far.