RIDE-CT – Classic Cars Celebrating Classic Cars in Connecticut
THOMASTON, CT – They’re classic cars of a different variety; three high-mileage Hi-Level rail cars recently purchased by the Naugatuck Railway that will be “opening new scenic rail experiences in Connecticut,” according to a press release issued Friday.
The rolling stock includes two lounge cars and one coach, all designed and built by the Budd Company. They were acquired at auction from the Steam Railroading Institute of Owasso, MI. They are expected to arrive in Thomaston and enter into service later this year.
The Hi-Level cars have a two-level design and feature “curving ceilings and expansive rows of windows providing panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.”
Online research reveals that the Budd Company built two Hi-Level prototypes in 1954 that underwent rigorous testing. The Hi-Level cars went into service in 1956 were used by Santa Fe on its El Capitan luxury service between Chicago and Los Angeles.
“These cars are unique and will be the first of their kind operating in New England,” said Orion Newall-Vuillemot, Naugatuck Railroad manager of passenger operations. The railroad is operated by the non-profit Railroad Museum of New England. It runs scenic excursions on a 19.6 mile line between Waterbury and Torrington, CT.
“We’re committed to providing the best possible service for our passengers, and these new cars will be a tremendous upgrade for our excursion offerings,” he said. “We’re grateful to the Steam Railroading Institute for the work they’ve done to maintain and preserve these cars, and for the opportunity to offer enjoyable new experiences for our visitors.”
After being used by the Santa Fe railway, the three cars were acquired by Amtrak in the 1970s when it took over intercity rail service. The coach was retrofitted for use as crew accommodations and was used for two decades. The two lounges were refurbished in the 1990s. They became “Pacific Parlour” cars on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train and remained in service until 2018.
The three cars were purchased in 2019 by the Steam Railroading Institute, were used on excursions trains in Michigan and we were renovated.
“The Naugatuck Railroad will be great custodians of these three historic cars and will be able to provide the resources to better display and operate them for the public to enjoy,” said Aaron Farmer, Master Mechanic, Rolling Stock of the Steam Railroading Institute.
“The funds garnered from this auction will allow us to reinvest in our own fleet by improving our current cars. This will be considered a ‘win-win’ for all parties involved, and will be its own milestone in historic railroad preservation!”
The Naugatuck Railroad plans to use the three Hi-Level cars to expand its first-class seating options, including the possibility of working with community partners to offer dinner train service.
