Explore Whippany Railway Museum’s latest train ride that will operate on September 8, 2024: the last run of the Lackawanna Electrics Commemorative Train rides.
On September 3, 1930, renowned inventor, (and West Orange, NJ resident) Thomas A. Edison moved the master controller handle that started the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad’s (DL&W) first electric “Multiple Unit” (MU) passenger train to depart Hoboken Terminal, bound for Montclair. On Sept. 22nd of the same year, Edison was again onboard the ceremonial first Lackawanna electric MU train to arrive at South Orange, NJ. Edison was a revered guest who, along with many railroad officials and dignitaries (including the 1930 version of the DL&W’s spokeswoman, “Miss Phoebe Snow”), rode in Subscription Club Car No. 2454, which today is owned and operated by the Whippany Railway Museum.
Nearly 54 years later, the Lackawanna Electrics were retired with great ceremony by NJ TRANSIT on August 24, 1984. The final MU train to Dover was memorable as Subscription Club Car No. 2454 (by this time renumbered “3454”, sporting “LAST RUN” signage, and lettered LACKAWANNA) was at the head of a 12-car train carrying everyday commuters, people wanting to take a nostalgic final trip on the old cars, and scores of rail enthusiasts. Upon arrival at Dover, the train was greeted by hundreds of well-wishers lining the tracks, as No. 3454 slowly burst through a “LAST RUN” banner spread across the rails by enthusiasts. As No. 3454 was about to slice the banner, the moment was preserved for all time by a synchronized flash photo spectacular. It made for a memorable scene, still recalled 40 years later.
The Lackawanna Electrics Train
On September 8, 2024, the Whippany Railway Museum will commemorate the last run of the “Lackawanna Electrics” forty summers ago with special excursions departing from the Museum site in Whippany. Legendary Subscription Club Car No. 2454 will take center stage on this day, just as it did in 1984. No. 2454 – built in 1912 – is noteworthy as it is the recipient of the prestigious HeritageRail Alliance’s 2021 “Significant Achievement Award – Passenger Car”, acknowledging the Museum’s meticulous restoration of this extremely historic rail car.
Each passenger will receive a commemorative “Lackawanna Electrics” keepsake, while supplies last. The Museum will also welcome several retired Erie Lackawanna employees who operated the MU’s in everyday service decades ago.
To round out the day, after the last excursion returns to Whippany, No. 2454 will pose for interested photographers with replicas of the 1984 “LAST RUN” banner and signage, making for some unique photos.
Train Ride Information
For the ultimate excursion experience, climb aboard the award-winning, Lackawanna Railroad Subscription Club Car No. 2454, which radiated elegance on a train once known as ‘The Millionaire’s Express’, that ran between Hoboken Terminal and Gladstone, NJ from 1912 to 1984. It is the very same car that led the final “Lackawanna Electric” train to Dover, NJ on August 24, 1984.
Or choose to ride in our 1927-era Central Railroad of New Jersey club car ‘Jersey Coast’, which is a beautifully restored, wood-paneled conveyance that features all the amenities offered by the CNJ’s legendary Blue Comet passenger train of the 1930s that traveled between Jersey City and Atlanitc City. Painted in a two-tone blue, with a cream window band, this striking car reminds one of a comet streaking through space.
Passengers can also board a caboose of their choice and experience an old-fashioned, relaxing way of spending a Sunday afternoon with the family.
WHEN: Sunday, September 8, 2024 Rain or Shine
TRAIN DEPARTURES: 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, & 4:00 pm
WHERE: 1 Railroad Plaza (intersection of Route 10 West & Whippany Road) in Whippany, NJ
TRAIN FARE: Ticket prices vary: $13. – $26. (*NOTE: Train Fare includes admission to Museum Building & grounds)
For Tickets and More Info: visit their website – www.WhippanyRailwayMuseum.net or give them a call: 973-887-8177
ABOUT THE MUSEUM: Our excursion train rides are operated as a fundraising effort to benefit the Whippany Railway Museum, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit operating heritage railroad that is staffed by volunteers. Donations from the public help to keep the Museum operational, but funds are still required to support this unique New Jersey treasure. Proceeds from the train rides will further enhance the Museum’s mission and its historic preservation efforts.
