Number 1113
76 seat coach  

The 1113 was built in 1925 as a class PBn by the Harlan and Hollingsworth division of the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Company for the Reading Company, one of eleven on the property. These coaches were designated as class PB and were the first all-steel passenger fleet on the Reading. Often these coaches were constructed in kit form by Harlan & Hollingsworth and subsequently assembled in the Reading shops. Some classes of cars were purchased from other manufacturers and many of identical design were sold to the CNJ and the Boston & Maine.

The class PB passenger fleet was commonly classified as "suburban" coaches, though many were on exclusive Reading intercity commuter varnish such as the King Coal and The Wallstreeter. They could be found in passenger trains virtually anywhere on the Reading Company system, especially on suburban Philadelphia locals pulled by Camelbacks.

By the 1940s several hundred cars of this class were in service on the Reading. Some of them gained noteworthy exposure on the Iron Horse Rambles of the 1960s, while others were preserved by tourist railroads, like the Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern, the now defunct Quakertown & Eastern, and the New Hope & Ivyland. Obtained from the Valley Forge Scenic Railroad by the New Hope and Ivyland in the late 1960s, the 1113 has been stored for several years in the New Hope yard awaiting refurbishment.

Number 1127
84 seat coach

Formerly the Reading company 1127, this 84 seat coach was built in 1924 as a class PBn. Equipped with Taylor flexible-type trucks, coach 1127 ran in several Reading Company Iron Horse Rambles during the 1960s before purchase by the Valley Forge Scenic Railroad who renumbered it as their "1776."

When the Valley Forge Scenic dissolved in 1969, the 1127 and its sisters were shipped to the NHIR where they continue in their passenger service today. Rebuilt and repaired frequently over the years, the coaches' outward appearances have ranged from the original NHIR Tuscan red scheme of the 1960s and 1970s, to the gaudy green, orange, and maroon "circus" colors of the New Hope Steam Railway during the 1980s.

Currently displaying vintage Reading Company livery and lettering, only five coaches of the class PB designation presently compromise the backbone of the NHRR's operable passenger fleet.

Number 1202
76 seat coach  

Formerly a Reading Company 1202, this 76 seat coach was built in 1922 as a class PBn. The 1202 retained its same numbering on the Valley Forge Scenic Railroad. In 1983, the New Hope Steam Railway "backdated" the car to a fictitious Philadelphia and Reading Railroad paint scheme to commemorate the P&R's 150th anniversary, which it retains today. Presently owned by the NHRR and stored out of service, the 1202 will require structural repairs before it can again operate in passenger service.

Number 1220
84 seat coach

Formerly the Reading Company 1220, this 84 seat coach was built in 1922 as a class PBn. It was renumbered "1775" on the Valley Forge Scenic Railroad, and operates today in NHRR passenger service.

Number 1366
Open-air coach

Formerly the Reading Company 1366, this open-air coach was built in 1918 as a class PB1. Originally built as a 76 seat coach, it was converted to a bench-fitted open-air excursion coach by the NHIR in 1970. Last used in the late 1970s, the 1366 resides in storage at New Hope, awaiting a return to service.

Number 1424
76 seat coach

Formerly Reading Company 1424, this 76 seat coach was built in 1913 as a class PBh. The 1424 was used on the Reading's Iron Horse Rambles excursions in the early 1960s. Retaining the original mahogany interior, the car is serviceable for use on NHRR passenger trains.

Number 1430
32 seat coach-diner

Formerly Reading Company 1430, this 32 seat coach-diner was built in 1913 as a class PBh. Originally built as a 76 seat passenger coach the 1430 was stripped of its seating and converted into its present configuration as a dining car in the early 1970s. It was named the "Vivian Andrews" for the wife of the NHIR's trustee-under-bankruptcy Kenneth Andrews. In 1987 and 1988 it was refurbished with new carpeting and given other improvements by volunteers of the New Hope Steam Railway. In addition to the original mahogany interior, the car has been equipped with a serving bar, tables, and chairs, and is now used as an extra-fare food service car on regular NHRR passenger trains and for private charters.

Number 1505
75 seat coach

Formerly Reading Company 1505, this 75 seat coach was built in 1916 as a class PBh. With its original mahogany interior preserved, this car is presently in regular service for use on NHRR passenger trains.

Number 1525
Open-air coach

Formerly Reading Company 1525, this open-air coach was built in 1927 as a class PBr. Originally built as a 76 seat coach, it was converted to a bench-fitted open-air observation car by the NHIR in 1969. Both ends of the car were windowless while the middle section is enclosed with regular seating for year-round use. This car is one of four surviving Reading Semi-streamlined passenger coaches known to be in existence. Last used in 1979 the 1525 is currently stored north of the New Hope shop awaiting refurbishment.

Number 1536
74 seat coach

Formerly Reading Company 1536, this 74 seat coach was built in 1927 as a class PBr. Currently stored adjacent to the New Hope yard, the 1536 is of the Reading semi-streamlined design and outwardly displays its faded NHIR blue paint scheme from the 1960s.

Number 1542
74 seat coach

Formerly Reading Company 1542, this 74 seat coach was built in 1927 as a class PBr. Also a Reading semi-streamlined coach, the 1542 arrived on the NHIR in 1966. It was equipped with sealed windows and quirky air-conditioning units that often failed at the expense of the passengers. These conditions ultimately sidelined the 1542 and its sister 1536 by the early 1970s. It was later moved to a quarry spur north of Buckingham Valley, where it sat for many years openly exposed to the elements. In 1987 all of the equipment stored at this location was moved to the Grenoble siding where the 1542 is currently stored. Although the car has its skirting, it had been heavily vandalized and will require extensive repairs before it can return to operation.

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