What it the purpose of the odd looking car in the middle?
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This is an open air viewing car. The center third is enclosed and holds a small HEP generator, the outer thirds of the car have no glass (or seats) and provide great views as long as it's not cold! Passengers can also get an open air experience on the end platform of the luggage van at the end of the train in this pic. A slightly better view of the car can be seen in pic 346281 (and a similar car in 346424 on the old Picton train which now has new carriage stock). The viewing and luggage vans were converted from what were then relatively new guards vans (cabooses) which were eliminated from NZ trains in the mid 80s. Just found an even better pic: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rsy9UWmqQhc/SncKs9PW7mI/AAAAAAAAARY/mMi1-XcEaBc/s1600/AG90.jpg
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