Privately owned Rock Island cars

[ndbprr]

I have lived in the greater Chicago area for 28 years and just found some privately owned Rock Island passenger cars. There are two passenger cars. One is the diner "Golden Banquet" and the other is car 555 a smooth side lightweight which appears to be a parlor car. There is also an ACF Wide vision cupola caboose. These car are on a horse stable property on the south side of 151st street just west of Bell Road in Homer Glen. Apparently this is a place where people board horses and you can drive right up to the cars. Thought somebody might want to know about them.

[AltonFan]

Somewhere between Bloomington and Joliet there is a farm where a former Rock Island flat car is being used as a bridge across a small creek. The still had its Rock Island reporting marks and number. And it was visible from the highway.

[dknelson]

I belive the privately owned "Gritty Palace" standard observation car which we see from time to time running at the end of the Empire Builder, is a former Rock Island business car circa 1911. Currently the Gritty Palace is lettered for the GNW&B -- supposedly that stands for the "Going No Where and Back"
Dave Nelson

[csmith9474]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dknelson

I belive the privately owned "Gritty Palace" standard observation car which we see from time to time running at the end of the Empire Builder, is a former Rock Island business car circa 1911. Currently the Gritty Palace is lettered for the GNW&B -- supposedly that stands for the "Going No Where and Back"
Dave Nelson

I believe this car caused Metra a little contraversy. If I remember correctly, they housed and maintained this car at taxpayers expense, to include a complete outfitting with new appliances and electrical. If someone else knows anything more, please correct me if I am wrong.

[Anonymous]

One of the Former CRI&P PSCM lightweight business cars is owned and used by the MRL. There is a lightweight PSCM baggage cars (last cars purchased new and released by The Coach Yard,) in Herrington KS in a city park.
Ch