“Some GSC cast flats did have tie-downs welded to the side sill at the rim, in the form of steel circles. See attached.”
All flat cars built new or rebuilt on and after January 1, 1954 were required to be equipped with lading strap anchors. The details of anchors, locations and modifications to stake pockets were adopted as Standard in 1952 (C-26A). These standards were established to alleviate the cutting of wire and steel banding secured to stake pockets with sharp edges. The 1956 revision (below) was the addition of the note.
The requirement for cars used in interchange to be fitted with permanent anchors was considered by the AAR’s Car Construction Committee in 1953. The proposal was submitted to the membership (via letter ballot) and received overwhelming approval. The new rule was added to the (revised) Interchange Rules, effective January 1, 1953. As was often the case a year was granted so as to exempt cars under construction or scheduled for construction.
Interchange Rule 3, Section (f), Paragraph (2) Flat cars built new or rebuilt on and after January 1, 1954 must be equipped with lading strap anchors as shown on Manual page C-26A, or an equivalent arrangement. From owners.
In 1955 the rule was revised to backdate the requirement to all cars built new or rebuilt on and after January 1, 1940. This was to take effect January 1, 1956, but was subsequently extended (yearly) and was still not in force as of January 1, 1961.
In 1956 Paragraph 2 was renumbered 3. I’ve included the following to show the complete revised rule. Again, the 1940 requirement was never in effect during the span of the STMFC.
Rule 3, Section (f), Paragraph (3) Flat Cars built new or rebuilt on and after January 1, 1954 must be equipped with lading strap anchors as shown on Manual page C-26A, or an equivalent arrangement. From owners. Effective January 1, 1957, the foregoing requirement will apply to all flat cars built new or rebuilt on and after January 1, 1940. From owners.
Guy Wilber
Reno, Nevada
