SEPTA Market–Frankford Line Car 618 Arrives at NY Museum

This SEPTA Market–Frankford Line car acquisition adds Philadelphia transit history to the Trolley Museum of New York. Car 618 recently arrived at the museum facility.

Additionally, Railfan & Railroad Magazine notes the unit served the Market–Frankford Line for years. It belongs to the 270-car M-3 class from the Budd Company. These 1960-era cars used distinctive fluted stainless-steel construction. They carried millions of passengers through Philadelphia until their retirement.

Legacy of the Budd Company “Almond Joys”

Railfans nicknamed this specific fleet “Almond Joys.” For example, the name comes from unique roof humps. These humps create a profile like the popular candy bar. Separately, only one other M-3 car survives today. The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum recently restored that car to operation.

Don’t miss…MARAD opens $488.6M Port Infrastructure Development Program grants

Progress on the SEPTA Market–Frankford Line Car Acquisition

The Market–Frankford Line is locally known as the “El.” At the same time, it is one of the oldest U.S. rapid transit routes. Operations on the line date back to 1907. In addition, Budd-built cars like 618 used lightweight materials. These cars remained a daily sight in Philadelphia until 1999. Newer rolling stock eventually replaced the aging fleet.

Car 618 arrived safely at the museum. Meanwhile, several windows were vandalized before its delivery. Restoration work is currently underway. Still, the museum is raising funds for labor and materials. Supporters can donate to the project via tmny.org.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: