Aluminum Double Decker
Long Island #200
#200 is the world's first all aluminum double decker passenger car. It was built in 1932 as a joint project between the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Aluminum Company of America. (ALCOA) and was the world's first double-decker passenger car.
The Long Island Rail Road was always looking to increase their passenger capacity. At the time #200 was built, the solution was to build a coach with the floor mounted half way up the side of the car. On either side of the car, there are two facing bench seats which are elevated. Between these pairs of elevated seats there are another pair of seats that are located in a step down. Every seating area on the coach has a double window, so every passenger has a view. #200 had seating for 120 passengers. The following fleet of double-decked cars, after incorporating modifications, could hold 132 passengers.
Being a prototype, #200 was not equipped with control stands or traction motors. This car was designated as class T-62 when in service for the LIRR.
Car #200 is on display next to the restoration site in Riverhead.
Due to the fact that #200 is made of aluminum, restoration of the car is very tedious work. Paint stripping cannot be done using conventional methods such as sandblasting and wire wheels. The museum recently received a grant from the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) for the stripping of the old paint. This award was matched by one of our members, enabled us to hire a contractor to remove the old paint.
The paint removal was done using ground up walnut shells, such that the body
of the car was not damaged, since sand and other harsh materials normally
used for paint stripping can ruin the delicate aluminum skin on the car.
Currently the entire car has been stripped and painting of the car with primer
and the proper Tuscan Red finish paint has been completed. The final finish
coat of Tuscan Red paint will applied when the weather permits in the spring.
Once painting is complete the lettering and car number will be restored. Cleaning
of the car interior has started.
The following three photos by RMLI member Richard Gorddard show the status of the #200 restoration work as of July 2, 2005.
Look for more updates about car #200 on this web site as they occur.