CNJ No. 1169, Blue Comet Observation Car Tempel
CNJ No. 1169 on display at South Plainfield, NJ.
CNJ No. 1169 awaits restoration at Rio Grande, NJ.
The Tempel is probably the most historically significant New Jersey railcar in existence. It was the open platform tail car of the famous Blue Comet, America's first deluxe coach consist which hustled enthusiastic vacationers between Jersey City and Atlantic City from 1929 until 1941. The Tempel was saved from a junk yard scrapper's torch in July, 1984 by Frank Reilly and other Tri-State members. It is shown here as it looked standing pristine in its restored classic blue and white livery on display in South Plainfield and awaiting restoration in Rio Grande, NJ. It is hoped that it will settle into a permanent role of excursion operations and exhibition at the future Phillipsburg Transportation Heritage Center.