World War II Troop Sleeper Project
pROJECT UPDATES:
Week ending 8/22/25, Mark Krisanda and Paul Davis (IHHS), swept out and removed loose debris form the Sleeper. Material was collected by an asbestos testing and remediation contractor for testing, awaiting results.
World War II Troop Sleeper Restoration
As agreed to at the last Chapter meeting at Steamtown on June 22, the Chapter is partnering with The Iron Horse Historical Society (IHHS) to restore a Pullman Troop Sleeper car. The car is part of the Steamtown collection and it has been moved to an area accessible for inspection. The Chapter is hoping to have a finalized fundraising plan in placed by early September. Any member who is interested in assisting with this phase of the project is welcome to reach out to Jim Parolski, the Chapter Treasurer, (609) 306-9349, jwpnj@aol.com. We anticipate that once at least $40,000 is raised, any asbestos can be removed and then work can begin on the exterior of the car. Chapter members will be able to sign up and participate in the restoration, a necessary component to keeping project costs down. It is hoped that the Sleeper will be cosmetically restored in time for a Memorial Day, 2026 unveiling.
WW II Trooper Sleeper, 1 of 40 purchased by the DL&W in 1948 and converted to MOW bunk car #3621. Assigned to the Buffalo Division, Bridges and Buildings Section, for the bulk of its life. Donated to Steamtown by Conrail in 1990 and stored in the yard.