Save the C&O Railway Horse Car!
Donation protected
This rare piece of American railroad history is in desperate need of repairs and deserves a proper cosmetic restoration. With your financial support our model railroad clubs, 81-year-old, Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad horse express car can live on as a remaining example of this unique 6-door style piece of rolling stock.
The Frederick County Society of Model Engineers (FCSME) are the current owners of horse car #207. This railroad car sits in Frederick, Maryland on the private property of one of our long-time members. This rail car now houses a large HO-scale model railroad, and our group meets weekly at the car to maintain the layout and club house and have fun running our trains. We are open to the public by appointment and at select times annually for open houses for the community to enjoy as well.
Who we are…
The FCSME is a very small group of model railroaders founded in 1966. We are dedicated to inspiring, foster fellowship among railroad modelers, provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and skills between railroad modelers, promote the hobby of railroad modeling, be inclusive of all scales and interests, and work in co-operation with other organizations that share our values. Although not a registered charity under U.S. tax codes, we operate as a not-for-profit group. Our primary sources of income are member dues and donations collected when open to the public.
Club car history…
According to a C&O Historical Society magazine article in 2004, ten of these cars were built by the St. Louis Car Company for the C&O in 1937 at cost of just over $25 thousand dollars each. The original purpose was to transport thoroughbred race horses. Around 1942 the horse cars were converted to express service, then used only for baggage and mail until the late 1960’s. The FCSME purchased #207, at scrap value, in 1972 from Camden Yard in Baltimore, MD.
Why we need your support…
Time and weather are taking a toll on our club car. The FCSME has tried it’s best to slow effects from the elements with past painting efforts, but we no longer have enough resources to keep up. Professional help is required. As of late we have increased peeling paint, rusting, and roof leaks. All donations will be placed into a savings account and directed only to restoration efforts.
Without these repairs we could lose our club house, our layout, and this piece of unique American railroad history, the last of its kind, will disappear. For more information and pictures/videos of our layout inside the car and to follow our progress, please visit Facebook: FCSME Facebook Page
Here are just some of the pictures of the damage that has to be repaired due to the weather:
Thank you for visiting!!
The Frederick County Society of Model Engineers (FCSME) are the current owners of horse car #207. This railroad car sits in Frederick, Maryland on the private property of one of our long-time members. This rail car now houses a large HO-scale model railroad, and our group meets weekly at the car to maintain the layout and club house and have fun running our trains. We are open to the public by appointment and at select times annually for open houses for the community to enjoy as well.
Who we are…
The FCSME is a very small group of model railroaders founded in 1966. We are dedicated to inspiring, foster fellowship among railroad modelers, provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and skills between railroad modelers, promote the hobby of railroad modeling, be inclusive of all scales and interests, and work in co-operation with other organizations that share our values. Although not a registered charity under U.S. tax codes, we operate as a not-for-profit group. Our primary sources of income are member dues and donations collected when open to the public.
Club car history…
According to a C&O Historical Society magazine article in 2004, ten of these cars were built by the St. Louis Car Company for the C&O in 1937 at cost of just over $25 thousand dollars each. The original purpose was to transport thoroughbred race horses. Around 1942 the horse cars were converted to express service, then used only for baggage and mail until the late 1960’s. The FCSME purchased #207, at scrap value, in 1972 from Camden Yard in Baltimore, MD.
Why we need your support…
Time and weather are taking a toll on our club car. The FCSME has tried it’s best to slow effects from the elements with past painting efforts, but we no longer have enough resources to keep up. Professional help is required. As of late we have increased peeling paint, rusting, and roof leaks. All donations will be placed into a savings account and directed only to restoration efforts.
Without these repairs we could lose our club house, our layout, and this piece of unique American railroad history, the last of its kind, will disappear. For more information and pictures/videos of our layout inside the car and to follow our progress, please visit Facebook: FCSME Facebook Page
Here are just some of the pictures of the damage that has to be repaired due to the weather:
Thank you for visiting!!
Organizer
Dylan Owens
Organizer
Frederick, MD
