Erie Lackawanna
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DLW_Alum_MU_Cars_Ry_Age_Apr_6_1935.jpg   Original: 1094 by 1872 pixels - Current: 1094 by 1872 - 100%
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From: tommy meehan tmeehan0421 AT gmail DOT com
Date: Sun, 3 Dec 2023 09:55:26 -0500
Subject: Platinum Blonde paint on MU Cars
"DLW_Alum_MU_Cars_Ry_Age_Apr_6_1935.jpg" - image/jpeg, 1094x1872 (24bit)

I'm wondering if the two photos posted are showing cars of a six-car MU
train finished with aluminum surfacing -- called Alumanealing -- that was
unveiled by Lackawanna in Spring 1935. The process was developed by the
Metalkote corporation of New York City. I'm attaching an article that
appeared in the April 6 1935 edition of RAILWAY AGE. I think Lackawanna
hoped the new finish would be more wear-resistant than conventional paint.
It is also stated in the article that it was believed the application would
reduce interior temperatures "approximately five degrees between outside
and inside temperatures." That would have been a help in summertime for
passengers traveling in non-air conditioned cars.

The article states one car had the finish applied in about October 1934 and
the other five cars had just had the finish applied. The cars were then
assembled into a six-car train and displayed at Hoboken Terminal.

I don't think the process was particularly successful. I don't believe any
more DL&W MU cars were ever Alumanealed and the six cars that were
eventually had the finish removed or painted over.

tommy meehan


DLW_Alum_MU_Cars_Ry_Age_Apr_6_1935.jpg

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