Addition of Two Mid-Century Passenger Cars

Northern Central Railway of York Expands Fleet with the Addition of Two Mid-Century Passenger Cars

Local excursion railroad leases a club-lounge car and a chair car to provide guests with an authentic mid-century travel experience.

NEW FREEDOM, PENNSYLVANIA – Northern Central Railway of York (NCR), an excursion railroad offering historical, educational, and entertainment experiences, is pleased to expand their coach accommodations with the addition of two mid-century passenger cars. NCR leased both cars, known as the Overland Trail and the Pacific Trail, from Bill Hatrick of Santa Ana, California.

“At Northern Central Railway of York, we strive to provide educational experiences that inspire interest in rail history. We take pride in having equipment that showcases all periods of the American railroad and currently own a replica Civil War-era steam locomotive, an authentic 1959 diesel engine, and four coaches that reflect styles from the 1800s,” said Ashley Zimmerman, Executive Director for Northern Central Railway of York. “It has been our goal to add mid-century passenger cars to our lineup, so when we were connected with Bill Hatrick and learned about the Overland Trail and the Pacific Trail, we were thrilled about the opportunity to lease the cars and use them for our excursions.”

The Overland Trail was built by the Pullman Standard Car Manufacturing Company in 1949. The 39-seat club-lounge car was originally owned by Southern Pacific Railroad and then Amtrak. It features a Streamline Moderne design, a quarter-circle bar, and a barbershop. The Overland Trail has been in the care of Bill Hatrick since 1987.

The Pacific Trail was built by the Pullman Standard Car Manufacturing Company. It was delivered to Union Pacific Railroad in 1950 and was eventually sold to Amtrak. The 44-seat chair car was used for second-class travel and features plenty of legroom and restrooms. The Pacific Trail was purchased by Bill Hatrick in 1983. Both passenger cars are enclosed and fully air conditioned.

“I have owned these vintage passenger cars for 35+ years and they have been a labor of love. I have restored each car myself and completed upgrades to ensure they meet the requirements to be pulled on the railroad,” said Bill Hatrick, owner of the Overland Trail and the Pacific Trail. “I am excited to be part of Northern Central Railway of York and hope my cars will bring in tourists from all over the Central Pennsylvania region and beyond.”

An inaugural run for the new cars will be held at Northern Central Railway of York on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. The excursion will feature a two-hour round trip along the York County Heritage Rail Trail and include heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks on board. Tickets are limited and start at $100. To purchase tickets, please visit https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/northerncentralrailway/items/503959/availability/1314405488/book/?full-items=yes.

Following the inaugural run, both mid-century passenger cars will be added to the lineup for Northern Central Railway of York’s Santa Express excursions starting Saturday, December 2 and running almost every weekend in December. In 2024, they will be added to the monthly excursion calendar and used to bring new dining and fun-themed experiences. Be sure to check out northerncentralrailway.com for more information.

“We can’t wait to welcome recurring and new guests aboard the Overland Trail and the Pacific Trail and transport individuals back to the mid-century through our historical and educational excursions,” added Ashley Zimmerman.