In the beginning

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NYC 41 arrived Cedar Park, Texas yard as TFM 500.  It was waiting to be assigned a spat on the rip track.  Not much had changed since it was in executive train service.  

The lounge area had been stripped of all furniture, we think this was the executive lounge and eating area.  

The tavern area was left intact but stripped of all furnishings but the bar was left intact.  A piece of rail serves as the bar rail.  The wooden arch hides an electric cable. 

Looking down the hallway by the tavern you can see the enclosed window blinds.   These had been added for executive service but had rotted over the years.

The original ceiling lights were removed and replaced with the hardware store lights.

The hardware store lights have been removed and the window blinds have been removed.  The original window were replaced with locomotive type windows.  

The entire car was washed with soap and water then an acid was was applied.  A major difference.

The car was moved away from the scaffolding to ease the cleaning of the rest of the car.  Acid wash was used on the entire car.   

We were able to find light fixtures for the ceiling panels.  The old florescent lights were replaced with LED lighting.  We are using LED throughout to cut down on power and heat. 

The locomotive single pane windows were replace with tinted double pane.  They have the green tint.  Paul and Mark did the assembly off site and then installed.  

The roof of the car was covered with a white insulating foam.  The problem was the foam was sugar based and the birds would peck holes in it to get the sugar.   It would then retain water.  It was removed and the roof sand blasted.

The ceiling panels have been removed for light reworking.  The air duct was cleaned, there was still coal dust in it.  After the excess material was moved out, window replacement would begin.  

Lighting has been completed using the original fixtures and LED lighting.  LED takes less power, runs cooler and simulates the old florescent lights.  

The lounge tables have been installed.  They can be easily removed if table seating is not required for an event.  In addition to the 32 table seats there will be 6 lounge seats in the lounge area.

The cushions are complete and ready to mount on the chair frames.  Also we have completed a prototype politically correct smoking stand, no ash tray.  This is modeled after the originals and will be used with the lounge chairs.

The New York Central name has been applies to the car.  The 41 number plates have also been made and will be applied to the car later.   The TFM has been removed.  North Loop Sing & Graphic Inc. provided the graphics.  We downloaded the NYC font

Something about a train at night.  We couldn't resist to wait until night fall to check out the look with all the lights on.  

We have set up a table with a Club 41 beer mug.  We are planning to have our glasses carry the Club 41 logo.