Horseshoe Curve, NRHS - The Duquesne

The "Duquesne" languished in Altoona for many years, painted Maintenance of Way yellow but essentially unchanged. The ex-PRR (Z-74e class, #7511), office car, the "Duquesne", was last used by the Penn Central in maintenance of way service and will be restored from PC yellow to its original PRR colors. It was acquired in the 1980's from Conrail (who had it headed to the scrap line) by the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum . The Duquesne then sat dormant for years after that (approx 10).

The Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum excels in archival preservation and interpretation. Accordingly, the Horseshoe Curve Chapter, NRHS asked for and received title to the Duquesne as a restoration project. It has been at the Union Tank Car Co. in Altoona, PA for approx 18 months now (since 1997). It is in an interior shop bay, completely sandblasted. New wood window frames have been made by one of our members (Joe Harella) and new glazing for all windows has been obtained. Union Tank only works on it when other business is slow; we have no timetable and the car is stabilized indoors. A few body panels were opened up in sandblasting and we need to determine if the interior wall insulation is asbestos or not. We're hoping its only rock-wool or some other non-toxic material, but it needs to be tested before proceeding. The car is basically a good solid piece. Following cosmetic restoration to PRR standards, we plan to return it to the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum for display.

	The Duquesne as it originally appeared. (Photo purchased from the Hagley Museum.)		The Duquesne as it originally appeared. (Photo purchased from the Hagley Museum.)
	Kitchen Area (H. Wayne (Harley) Burket collection.)		Looking into the kitchen. Note the table and bench turn into a bunk. The upper bunk is visible. (H. Wayne (Harley) Burket collection.)
	Lounge/Dining Room looking towards kitchen. (H. Wayne (Harley) Burket collection.)		Lounge/Dining Room looking toward the hallway and stateroom. (H. Wayne (Harley) Burket collection.)
	Stateroom. . Note the table and bench turn into a bunk. The upper bunk is visible. (H. Wayne (Harley) Burket collection.)		Bed in Drawing room. (H. Wayne (Harley) Burket collection.)
	Hallway looking toward the Lounge. (H. Wayne (Harley) Burket collection.)		Parlor looking toward the dining room. (H. Wayne (Harley) Burket collection.)
	Parlor and platform exit. (H. Wayne (Harley) Burket collection.)		Platform (H. Wayne (Harley) Burket collection.)
	2-87 AT ARMM, ALTOONA, PA. Pictured is ex-PRR office car DUQUESNE, PRR Number 7511. This car would later be acquired by the Horseshoe Curve Chapter, National Railway Historical Society for cosmetic restoration. Photo by David Seidel		The Duquesne at Union Tank Car Company, Fall 1996. (by Chris Behe)
	Undergoing Restoration at the Union Tank Car Company. (by David Seidel)		12-21-2006: Ex-PRR Office Car "Duquesne" - grit blasted and primered. On Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum Turntable.
	June 26, 2007: Chapter President Frank Givler and Vice-President Joe Harella work on the Chapter owned office car Duquesne at Railroader's Memorial Museum. Photos by David Seidel		June 26, 2007: Chapter President Frank Givler and Vice-President Joe Harella work on the Chapter owned office car Duquesne at Railroader's Memorial Museum. Photos by David Seidel
	June 26, 2007: Chapter President Frank Givler and Vice-President Joe Harella work on the Chapter owned office car Duquesne at Railroader's Memorial Museum. Photos by David Seidel		June 26, 2007: Chapter President Frank Givler and Vice-President Joe Harella work on the Chapter owned office car Duquesne at Railroader's Memorial Museum. Photos by David Seidel
	June 26, 2007: Chapter President Frank Givler and Vice-President Joe Harella work on the Chapter owned office car Duquesne at Railroader's Memorial Museum. Photos by David Seidel