New Jersey boasts a rich and storied transportation history, playing a pivotal role in the development of railways and transit systems in the United States. Preserving this heritage is crucial, and museums dedicated to transportation serve as vital institutions for education and appreciation. This article delves into the efforts to preserve New Jersey’s transportation artifacts, focusing on the iconic Blue Comet passenger train and the challenges faced in safeguarding its legacy, particularly with observation cars like the “Tempel”.
The Blue Comet holds a special place in New Jersey’s railway history. Introduced by the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CNJ) in 1933, this streamlined passenger train was known for its striking blue and cream livery and luxurious amenities. Operating between Jersey City and Atlantic City, it represented the height of passenger rail travel during the Art Deco era. When the original Blue Comet service concluded in 1941, its distinctive cars weren’t retired but were integrated into regular passenger service, some continuing to operate well into the commuter era of the 1970s. However, some cars faced less glamorous fates, relegated to storage or company service.
Image: The iconic Blue Comet passenger train, a symbol of New Jersey’s rich transportation history.
Among the Blue Comet cars were three observation cars: DeVico, Tempel, and Biela. These cars, with their open observation platforms, offered passengers panoramic views of the New Jersey landscape. After their service life, these cars took different paths. Biela was converted into a restaurant in Clinton, NJ, while Tempel and other Blue Comet cars were repurposed for company service along routes like the New York and Long Branch. Tempel notably served as a yard office at Bay Head Junction.
In the early 1980s, the remaining Blue Comet cars faced an uncertain future. NJ Transit, which had inherited the CNJ’s equipment, initiated programs that threatened these historic cars. The transition to head-end power rendered the steam-era coaches incompatible with new trains, and a large-scale property cleanup led to the scrapping of many older railcars, including some Blue Comet coaches in Red Bank. Tempel, stationed at Bay Head, was also slated for scrap.
However, preservation efforts intervened. Tri-State Railway Historical Society, with member Frank Reilly playing a key role, stepped in to save Tempel. Through their intervention, Tempel was not only spared from scrapping but was also moved to North Jersey for safekeeping and potential restoration. In a surprising turn of events, another Blue Comet observation car, DeVico, was restored by NJ Transit and renumbered NJ Transit #1. DeVico was used for special events, showcasing a piece of New Jersey’s railway heritage.
Image: CNJ #1178 DeVico, a Blue Comet observation car, later restored and renumbered NJ Transit #1, highlighting the preservation of New Jersey’s railway artifacts.
Despite these preservation successes, challenges remain. Tri-State Railway Historical Society sought a permanent home for Tempel as a static display. An opportunity arose in South Plainfield, where efforts were made to create a park around the car. However, this project faced setbacks, including vandalism and declining interest, leaving Tempel in a vulnerable state. Reportedly, Frank Reilly intends to purchase or has purchased Tempel to undertake its restoration privately, a testament to individual dedication in preserving railway history.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in preserving New Jersey’s transportation heritage. While organizations like the URHS (United Railroad Historical Society) and Tri-State Railway Historical Society play crucial roles, the preservation of artifacts like the Blue Comet cars requires continuous effort and resources. The availability of Biela, the third Blue Comet observation car, whose restaurant location in Clinton has closed, further underscores the need for proactive preservation strategies. The question remains whether organizations should step forward to secure Biela and ensure its survival.
Image: The Blue Comet observation car Tempel in South Plainfield, illustrating the need for ongoing preservation and care of New Jersey’s transportation heritage.
Liberty State Park, with its historic CNJ Terminal, presents another potential venue for showcasing New Jersey’s railway history. The desire of those managing the CNJ terminal to display a CNJ observation car suggests a growing recognition of the importance of these artifacts. With only a handful of CNJ observation cars remaining, efforts to acquire and display Biela or another suitable car at Liberty State Park could significantly enhance public access to New Jersey’s transportation heritage.
The story of the Blue Comet observation cars, particularly Tempel, serves as a case study in the complexities of transportation heritage preservation. It underscores the need for continued vigilance, dedicated organizations, and public support to ensure that New Jersey’s rich transportation history is not only remembered but also tangibly preserved for future generations within New Jersey museums of transportation and historical sites. These museums act as crucial links to the past, offering insights into the innovations and cultural impact of transportation on the Garden State.
