This website was created from a copy of passcarphotos.info which was originally saved on April 26, 2018. The website was originally created and managed by J.M. LaBODA who passed away in early 2018. When his website disappeared this copy was erected to keep the massive amount of information he collected available to all. We are also working to recover his other two websites: interurbancarphotos.info and pcccarphotos.info

Due to many of the photographs linking to external websites, not all of the links will continue to work as time goes on. A full offline copy of this website can be downloaded here: passcarphotos.zip

PASSENGER CAR PHOTO INDEX




UPDATED 9 AUGUST 2017 WITH OVER 8,402 NEW LINKS ADDED.

 Originally posted on 17 Jan 2003!!!

 THIS SITE IS BEST VIEWED WITH 1024 x 768 RESOLUTION OR GREATER.

Welcome to the Passenger Car Photo Index, the best resource on the web for finding North American railroad passenger car photos!!! 

Because of my own interests in passenger trains and their equipment I began compiling this Index one section at a time, initially covering only certain types of passenger equipment that I have found to be of interest with more being added as time went along.  Since its beginning in January 2003, this site has grown to a massive listing covering passenger train equipment from all over North America, providing railfans and modelers accurate documentation of what cars looked like and how many were painted and lettered.  And it is a labor of love (at times more labor than love, honestly) because all of the searching is done by me, as I have time and a way to do it.  And, something else to consider, the photos that have been found on the internet are some of the only documentation left for a large number of the cars covered here in... many are gone, never to be seen again.  To say the least, I am indebted to all of those who have been willing to share their images on the web, for if it weren't for them many of these cars would have simply disappear completely into history without a trace. 

With this update I am introducing a new section which I hope folks will find of value.  It is a gathering of links where member railroads' equipment is shown in Amtrak service while still wearing their former owner's dress.  You will find this new section below under the "AMTRAK'S RAINBOW ERA" banner.

As has been the case with every Update broken links are likely to occur.   Sometimes it is simply an error on my part that can be quickly fixed, but, unfortunately, at times this is something that can never be avoided since so much changes for the many folks who do have websites.  A number of folks have helped to keep me straight on my errors as well as letting me know about broken links, far to many to name, but I do appreciate any help on this!!!  I cannot promise you that all links will remain working since I have no control over this.  I will say, though, that if a link isn't working I will see about it (and if possible, report it to the owner of the site) and if necessary, remove it from future updates.  To contact me my email address is jmlaboda[at]passcarphotos.info. 

As was recently announced back in June I have created two companion sites that cover Interurban cars and PCC cars.  Both contain a number of great links to images of cars that use to be used in the past as well as of some that remain in use today.  The two links below will take you to their homepage...




Recommended Sites:

Photographer's Rights.  In these changing times there has been lot that has affected railfans' ability to document on film and in written records the continuing chronicles of today's railroads.  Since the tragedy of the 9/11 the rights of individuals to take photographs in public places have come under attack, and this has become especially true of those who take pictures of trains.  Attorney Bert P. Krages II has compiled information on what should and shouldn't be done when taking photographs in public... to visit his site CLICK HERE.  Additionally the American Civil Liberties Union has some great information on their website that helps define the law even more. 

Looking to learn more about passenger cars?  The Passenger Car List at Yahoo! Groups is the best place to find information on all North American passenger equipment. This list is the place to find information on all aspects of passenger train equipment.  Founded by Tom Madden, whose website, The Pullman Project, contains extensive information and historical documentation on Pullman cars and their history.

For those who reside or are at least interested in Passenger service north of the boarder the Canadian Passenger Rail list is a great resource be it information on modern VIA Rail Canada service or questions regarding historic passenger service.  For passenger car fans it is another great list to be a part of and I do hope you will check it out.  I am sure you won't regret it. 

The Passenger Train Consist List at Yahoo! Groups is all about what the name says... passenger train consists.  Many are the trains that are covered in messages and in the files section of the List, with each week seeing even more trains covered.  For the modeler wanting to gain ideas about what their desired train might have been like it is the single best place on the web to gain information and I can honestly say that the members have been very generous, sharing many great train consists.  This is a site that will keep you busy for quite a while as you explore all that has been shared.  I hope you will take to time to explore its wealth!

Interested in Motor Cars?  The Doodlebug List is a great source of information and exchange of ideas in regards to all aspects of motor cars from the earliest cars to the most modern units.  Not all that busy of a group but well worth a search into the many messages and the cars that have been discussed.  I highly recommend it!

Another list that you might find of interest is the Budd RDC and SPV List.  Started on May 1, 2002 the List has grown in value as members can tell you, with a huge amount of information being shared, including information on surviving Budd cars.  It is also a group well worth visiting!

Interested in various aspects of commuter operations?  The Commuter Modeler List is a great place to gain inspiration and share ideas about all types of commuter trains and their modeling.  While not that active of a list there is a wealth of information within the many messages to the List and a lot of great ideas on how to approach modeling commuter equipment.

Last but certainly not least is the Circus Train List.  Long a great place for learning about the circus train it is even moreso of value now as cars head to their new owners, some with a bright future while others are destined to donate their parts.  In addition to coverage of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey train there is also coverage of lesser operations and the various carnival trains that use to ply the rails, the last being the James E. Strates shows.  For circus fans this is the List to join and share!!!

Interested in dome cars?  The Web Lurker's DOME.main site is the most inclusive site of any on the web involving the creation and use of these cars.  Because of the extensive collection of images on this site I have not made an effort to include the many shots as a part of these listings but it is a site that I highly recommend. 

Also I highly recommend to anyone who want to learn more about the cars and locomotives that Amtrak has used since its inception to visit Jim Hebner's Amtrak Photo Archives.  His site features an extensive collection of photographs covering of most Amtrak locomotives as well as a large collection of photos of various passenger cars, express cars, Roadrailers, and even a couple of "Amtrak" buses, making it the best place on the web to view Amtrak rolling stock.

Gone but not forgotten...  Colorado Railcar (and Rader Railcar before it) during its existance created some of the most interesting and unique passenger cars for both the tourist industry as well as for transit authorities.  Jody Moore's Ultradomes website covers the wide variety of cars created by the company. 

Return of the Ultradomes?

Back in March 2016 it was announced that Canadian railtours operator Rocky Mountaineer had awarded a contract to Stadler for 10 bi-level glass topped cars that are to be delivered in 2018.  While no artwork or specifications have been announced in the article posted to a variety of sources shows what appears to be the interior of a Colorado Railcar Ultradome, which may be what the cars they will be building will be based on.  To find articles on this order and read more about this click here. 































































































































































































































































































































































































































THE GRAPHICS ON THIS PAGE ARE ORIGINAL ARTWORK, © 2007 - 2015, BY J.M. LaBODA.