Help Restore Coach 1341

The Friends of the Stewartstown Railroad, Inc., is a Pennsylvania non-stock nonprofit corporation, tax-exempt under IRS regulation section 501(c)(3), operated by unpaid volunteers dedicated to the preservation of the Stewartstown Railroad.

The Stewartstown Railroad was a vital connection between the manufacturers and farmers of southern York County, transporting good and passengers. In 1911, for example, the Railroad transported 40,761 passengers and moved over 40,000 tons of freight!

Today, the Stewartstown Railroad is an educational and cultural line, telling the history of the towns and people along the line, from New Park, Fawn Grove, Stewartstown, Shrewsbury, and New Freedom, and the importance and impact of railroads to the development and support of the communities. 

We are trying to raise funds for the restoration of our Reading passenger coach, number 1341.  Built by  Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation and completed on May 27, 1922, the car was used by the Reading Railroad for commuter service until World War II, when it was used as a troop transport.  

1341 was one of several dozen coaches assigned by the railroad to troop train service during World War II from 1942 to 1945. Troop train coaches were easily distinguished by a universally applied single yellow stripe 2 feet long and   3/4 of inch thick directly underneath the car numbers painted on the exterior.    The #1341 still retains this identification that may be seen to this day.  1341 was principally used in troop train service over Reading Railroad tracks to and from Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania and Fort Dix in New Jersey. The coach, now well over one hundred years old, is in need of restoration. We've recently renovated and restored the interior of the car, but the exterior is in dire need of work. Window frames need replacement, rusted metal need to be removed and new metal welded and riveted in place, the roof needs repair and patching, and the whole car needs to be repainted and renumbered. 

We would sincerely appreciate any and all help in restoring this historic railcar, either through donations to this fundraiser, or, if you want to give some hands on assistance. Details can be found at our website, https://stewartstownfriends.org.

Thanks for your support and assistance!