Penn Central Frequently Asked Questions

This is a new page which will contain frequently asked questions pertaining to the Penn Central. If you suggestions for a question to add, please contact me and let me know.

What's with the different-colored variations of the PC emblem?
What font can I use to create Penn Central "slant lettering" on my computer?
Where can I find information on a relative who worked for the railroad?
I have an old Penn Central stock certificate. What can I do with it? Is it worth anything?
How can I find out if the Penn Central Corporation still owns a certain parcel of real estate?
Where can I get a copy of the book Penn Central Power?
Does the Penn Central have employment opportunities?

1. What's with the different-colored variations of the PC emblem?

The PC emblem, commonly known as the "mating worms", was originally applied to locomotives in white. All freight cars, except open hoppers, received a black PC emblem over their gray (covered hoppers) or green (everything else) paint. By April 1968, though, the black logo was replaced by the all-white log on all freight cars, except for on gray covered hoppers.

In May 1968, PC experimented with the "red P" logo, consisting of a red "P" and white "C". This version of the emblem was applied to approximately 136 locomotives and some freight cars during the April-June 1968 period. This was discontinued, probably due to the "red P" accentuating the internal strife between the PRR and NYC sides of the company. PC then returned to the all-white logo.

During October 1968, a group of 17 new EMD GP40 locomotives were received with the "Orange C" emblem, featuring a white "P" and an orange "C". This emblem was an experiment which was not repeated, and the company kept the all-white PC emblem until its demise. (Interestingly, though, PC 5585, a former New Haven RS3, was painted with an "orange C" emblem in April 1969, long after the experiment ended.)

According to Chuck French, one possible explanation for the "Orange C" emblem was to make the New Haven feel welcome as a part of Penn Central. The "Orange C" locomotives were delivered in October 1968, a few months before the New Haven was taken over. At the same time, PC was basically forced into merging the New Haven by the Interstate Commerce Commission, so PC management may not have been inclined to change the company emblem on locomotives just for the New Haven people. However, it is the best (and really, the only) explanation that I have heard for the "Orange C" emblem to date.

Sources: Penn Central Power by Robert Yanosey, Penn Central Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment by James Kinkaid, and Chuck French.

2. What font can I use to create Penn Central "slant lettering" on my computer?

A TrueType font called Square721BdExt (bold extended), which if you use in your word processor with bold and italics turned on, is a dead ringer for PC slant lettering. The font can be obtained from Bitstream for about $25.

3. Where can I find information on a relative who worked for the railroad?

The employee record cards for most of the PRR and PC employees are at the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg, Pa. That would be your best place to start. Also, you might Railroad Retirement Board's web site. Please do not contact the webmaster asking for information, as he has none, and your message will be ignored.

4. I have an old Penn Central stock certificate. What can I do with it? Is it worth anything?

PC stock certificates today are worthless. You can hang them on a wall, or use them to line your litter box, but the only way to get any money for them today is to possibly try to sell them as collectables on eBay.

5. How can I find out if the Penn Central Corporation still owns a certain parcel of real estate?

American Premier Underwriters (Penn Central Corporation's corporate successor, which is now owned by American Financial Group), has contracted with the UGL Equis Corporation to manage and liquidate the remaining real estate. Their contact information is:

Connie Stacey, Portfolio Asset Manager
UGL Equis Corporation
600 Vine Street, Suite 1900
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 361-8503
Connie.Stacey@ugl-equis.com

6. Where can I get a copy of the book Penn Central Power?

Beats me....the book has been out of print for many years, and finding them has been tough. I would suggest watching on eBay or looking around at flea markets for a copy, but be warned--since it is now a hard-to-find book, the few available copies that are out there are expensive. Plan on paying $100 or more for a copy if you do find one. I'm just happy that I bought mine when it was first printed...

7. Does the Penn Central have employment opportunities?

(Believe it or not, I once was asked this twice in one week!) No. The Penn Central has been out of the railroad business since 1976. You do the math...