Help Save a Piece of Cincinnati Railroad History
Cincinnati Scenic Railway has been given a rare opportunity to rescue an irreplaceable piece of American railroad history from the scrapper's torch.
The John Adams is a historic passenger car built specifically for the Pennsylvania Railroad's renowned Cincinnati Limited, the premier overnight train that connected Cincinnati and New York City. For decades, this car carried travelers in comfort while serving one of the nation's most prestigious passenger trains.
Today, this remarkable artifact is at risk of being lost forever.
Our goal is to preserve the John Adams and bring it home to Lebanon, Ohio, where it can be restored, interpreted, and operated as part of Cincinnati Scenic Railway's mission to preserve our region's railroad heritage for future generations.
To make this possible, we must raise $40,000 to transport the car from its current location on the East Coast to our property in Lebanon. We have until the end of 2026 to reach this goal before this once-in-a-lifetime preservation opportunity disappears.
Every donation, large or small, brings us one step closer to saving this extraordinary passenger car and ensuring that a vital piece of Cincinnati's railroad history is preserved—not scrapped.
Help us save the John Adams and keep this remarkable chapter of American railroading alive for generations to come.
The Story of the John Adams
Built by the Budd Company in 1949, the John Adams entered service as Pennsylvania Railroad coach-lounge No. 1152, one of just two coach-lounge cars constructed specifically for the Pennsylvania Railroad's prestigious Cincinnati Limited, which connected Cincinnati and New York City.
As the Cincinnati Limited made its nightly journey across Ohio, the John Adams traveled through communities including Winton Place, Loveland, Morrow, Xenia, and Columbus, carrying generations of passengers in comfort and style.
In 1969, the car was rebuilt as a parlor-lounge and renumbered Penn Central No. 7175. Following the creation of Amtrak in 1971, it continued its service after being converted into galley-lounge No. 3329, extending its remarkable career into the modern era of American passenger railroading.
Although the historic Cincinnati Limited made its final run under that name on April 30, 1971, the John Adams survived long after the train itself disappeared. Today, it stands as one of the few remaining pieces of equipment directly connected to this legendary route, making its preservation an important opportunity to protect a tangible link to Cincinnati's railroad heritage.
The Future of the John Adams
Once the John Adams arrives in Lebanon, Ohio, it will be carefully secured and undergo a comprehensive condition assessment to develop a detailed restoration plan.
We anticipate the complete restoration will take three to four years and require an investment of approximately $150,000. This work will return the car to its historic appearance while ensuring it can be preserved for future generations to experience and enjoy.
After the car has been safely relocated, Cincinnati Scenic Railway will launch a second fundraising campaign dedicated to its restoration. With the support of our members, donors, and the community, we are confident the John Adams can once again become a proud symbol of Cincinnati's rich railroad heritage.
How to donate:
Online:
Mail a check to:
Cincinnati Scenic Railway
“John Adams”
16 E South St
Lebanon, OH 45036