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Trolley Museum of New York Accepts Delivery of Former SEPTA Market–Frankford Elevated Budd Car 618
Kingston, New York
Saturday, March 28, 2026

The Trolley Museum of New York is proud to announce the delivery of former SEPTA Market–Frankford Line rapid transit car 618, an important piece of Philadelphia transit history that will now be preserved for future generations. This car was one of 270 M-3 cars. The Philadelphia Transit Company (PTC) had further designated the 47 single unit/double ended cars as Class A-49, and numbered them 601–646. Car 618 is one of the stainless-steel rapid transit cars built by the Budd Company for service on Philadelphia’s iconic Market–Frankford Line. Entering service in 1960, these cars became known for their durability, distinctive fluted stainless-steel construction, and decades of reliable service carrying millions of passengers across West Philadelphia, Center City, and Frankford. Railfans affectionately nicknamed the cars “Almond Joys” due to their distinctive roof humps, which gave them a profile reminiscent of the popular candy bar. The only other surviving member of this class was recently restored to operation at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum.

Often referred to locally as the “El,” the Market–Frankford Line is one of the oldest continuously operated rapid transit routes in the United States, combining elevated and subway operations starting in 1907. Budd-built cars such as 618 represented a major technological step forward at the time, emphasizing lightweight construction, corrosion resistance, and improved passenger comfort. The fleet remained a familiar symbol of the line until retirement following the introduction of replacement rolling stock in 1999.

Founded in 1955 in Brooklyn, NY, and located on the historic Kingston waterfront since 1983, the Trolley Museum of New York is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich history of electric railway transportation in the Hudson Valley and beyond. The museum operates historic trolley rides along the Rondout Creek and maintains a growing collection of streetcars, rapid transit vehicles, and railway artifacts that tell the story of urban transportation in America.

While Car 618 arrived safely, several windows were unfortunately vandalized prior to preservation, and restoration work is already underway. The museum is actively accepting public donations to support:

• Replacement of damaged glass
• Restoration of interior and exterior lighting
• Rehabilitation of electrical components needed to return the car to operational and interpretive condition
• Mount the car body on standard gauge trucks

“These historic transit cars represent the daily lives and memories of millions of riders,” said a museum representative. “Preserving Car 618 ensures that an important chapter of American rapid transit history remains accessible to the public.”
Supporters interested in contributing to the restoration effort are encouraged to donate through the museum’s official channels. Contributions of any size will directly assist in stabilizing and restoring this historic vehicle for display and educational programming.

For more information about the project, visiting hours, or donation opportunities, please contact the Trolley Museum of New York or visit the museum in Kingston, New York.

Thank you to Iron Mountain Iron & Equipment, LLC for such a smooth process!