I'd like to draw attention to the ACF design underframe with the exposed channel cross bearers-basically the same as the ART reefer in another recent post on this site. ACF used this design a lot in

This car was an ART design built about 1912-14. by ACF . The shorter door was common on cars of this vintage-consider PFE R_30-5 or 6 as built. There seems to have been a trend around or just after

Bruce, Most certainly coal would freeze in the winter if the loaded open-topped coal cars were snowed on or were subjected to other winter precipitation that froze in the loads. Back in the 1980s and

As Bruce said, they're idlers. The girders are a bit longer than the cars' I.L. Note that the gons each have an open drop end facing the adjacent flat. The cars are in groups of three, two gons with

Thanks to all for the additional information. I was surprised that coal freezing was an issue. I would have thought a winter’s supply of coal would be in place long before the harsh weather I

I wonder how many box car doors came off their track while rocking on these type of unloaders. I often come across photos and damage reports on door issues in the pre-1930 decades. Eric

I have received color photos from a number of list members and was reminded of the color photo of one of these cars in RPCyc Volume 3 (along with paint formulas for T&P). Thank you. Of course,

Bruce, To further clarify, No, the cars have roofs and are not top loaded. They are loaded through the doors. There appears to be some wood cooperage, similar to grain doors, present in the door

I’m only guessing but the empty flat cars may have been used to better distribute the weight of the steel structures going over a bridge. -- Charlie Duckworth Omaha, Ne.

Andy, They are idlers, used because the loads overlap one end of the gondolas. Regards, Bruce Smith Auburn, AL From: <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> on behalf of Andy Jackson

We’re the empty flat cars used for more braking? Andy Andy Jackson Santa Fe Springs CA

Dennis, Thank you for the reply. That is good information to know about the siding. As far as windows on camp cars, my personal favorite are the exterior sliding windows with the screens

In 1956, on the Rio Grande, 51% of all livestock carloadings occurred in the 8 weeks of September and October. On contrast, only 4% occurred in the 8 weeks of June and July. Dave Nelson

During the steam era most roads west of the Mississippi preferred gons over open hoppers for coal. In winter months they used boxcars, esp the northern roads, to prevent rain/snow freezing the coal.

Is that Standard or Narrow gauge? It looks like there are end (lumber?) doors. These type of unloaders were common in grain unloading facilities. Some of which could also tilt to the side. -Hudson

I've seen photos of this process used to unload grain as well. Thanks! -- Brian Ehni On 6/9/22, 2:50 PM, "Bruce Hendrick" <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io on behalf of brucehendrick@...>

Does anyone know the specifics of this operation? Were these special boxcars with top loading capabilities? Is the car being unloaded via its end? I can’t see how anyone would think this would be

What number series? I may have some photos. Thanks! -- Brian Ehni From: <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> on behalf of Richard Remiarz <rremiarz@...> Reply-To: <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> Date:

Thanks Tim. Rich Remiarz

Thanks Fenton. I don’t have much in the way of photos from southern roads. I just heard from Ed Hawkins and he said there is a color photo in RPCyc volume 3 so I will check there next. Rich