Re: C&O Ralston Covered Hopper
Bruce Hendrick
It is interesting to me that a car so near the end of the series is getting a builders photo. One explanation might be that C&O was experimenting to see how a gray car would look, and more importantly, how it would hold up. Gray was, of course, much more common for covered hoppers than black on most roads.
Another possibility is that this car is intended for a special dedicated service. If so, there were probably others. Perhaps the last batch off the assembly line.
Just speculation, of course. But this gray car would be a nice conversation piece mixed in with your black cars.
Thanks for sharing an intriguing image.
Bruce Hendrick