Restoring a 100-year old wood observation car is an expensive project. Fortunately, Wes and Claudia Swift have been able to fund nearly all of the work themselves to date. Over the past fourteen years, the structural and exterior work has been completed including replacement of some of the main structural timbers which comprise the underframe of the car, completely rebuilding the roof and its supports, new tongue and grove siding, and replacing all of the lost brake system and trucks. However, a lot of work still needs to be done to complete this car to its original configuration.
This remaining work focuses on the interior of the car. Typical of the wood cars built at the turn of the 20th century, the 330 featured extensive Mexican mahogany moldings around the windows and the stained glass inserts and mahogany panels in the open spaces. Quality mahogany is an expensive wood and further restoration work on the car has stalled due to the cost of the needed materials.
The interior of the 330 was typical of the opulent wood passenger cars built at that time and the completed car will not be only extremely impressive but will also help visitors understand how cars of that era helped transport tourists in expected luxury.
At this point in the restoration, it is estimated that the equivalent of 2,000 square feet of mahogany will be needed to complete the project... a $14,000 investment.
If you would like to help to complete the restoration of YV 330, there are two easy ways to contribute.
If you would prefer to contribute via a check, it can be made out to the PLA/330 so that it will be applied to the project to complete the restoration of the 330 and mailed to:
Pacific Locomotive Association
PO Box 2248
Fremont, CA 94536-0248
An even easier approach is to use PayPal. Log onto the project's website at www.yv330.com and click on the Donation link.
Thank you for considering to donate to the completion of the 330. ~ Wes and Claudia Swift
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