According to Steve D. Johnson in L&N Color Guide, Volume 1 (Morning Sun Books) blue was first applied to boxcars to signify they were equipped with load retaining devices, particularly DF belt rails; he indicates that "later" some boxcars fitted with only lading tie anchors and even some standard XM boxcars were painted blue.

On page 23 there is a photo of L&N 97140, a 50-foot PS-1 in blue, taken at Chicago, IL in September 1960. The car is still stenciled "NEW 8-57." This car is equipped with DF loaders.

On page 26 there is a photo of L&N 97893, a 50-foot car built by ACF in December 1960; it is stenciled "NEW 12-60" and is boxcar red/brown.

My guess is, during the period of this list, that blue would have only been used on the DF equipped cars; otherwise, they were standard boxcar red/brown.

Jim Brewer
Glenwood MD