I just joined this group as I was not aware of its existence till - TopicsExpress

I just joined this group as I was not aware of its existence till recently. I have been a long time fan of the Railroad. In October 2012 I bought BAR X1054, the tool car that had been part of the Derby Wreck Train and still in active status as or 1981. After it came out of service, it was in Searsport yard for awhile then moved by road to City Point by truck. Once I bought it we moved it by rail to Thorndike (breaks worked fine). Since then I have put a temporary roof on it, cleaned out years of junk inside, and begin the long process of assessing and restoration. What I know of the early history is told in part in the caption in the black and white photo. I do know this is BAR 507 because I found notes on the backs of the framed notices from the Paint shop to return to 507 after painting. The areas that need the most attention are the roof, the sheathing especially on the North side and sills under the sliding doors. I believe this car to have been built in 1901 at the Jackson and Sharp plant and was part of an order that includes two coaches that are waiting restoration at The Strassburg Railroad. The B&A took very good care of this car and it is a very worthy candidate for restoration. Obviously I am looking for any information and photos to add to its history and would be glad to show the car to anyone interested in visiting it. Currently it sits behind the metal engine house in Thorndike on the B&ML where I volunteer.