Can anyone tell me why the MLW cars are referred to as gun flats? Thanks in advance!

Thanks lots to everyone! Interesting indeed.

Hello all, For quite some time now ive noticed that in many photos from the 30s-early 60s semi 'van' trailers (the ones already fully enclosed) tend to commonly be outfitted with a tarp over a certain

Thanks for this insight!

I like your thinking jack!

As Tony addressed, I wouldnt be surprised if the fish arrived via other means (like REA) and this reefer was just used as a facade for freshness and as a sincerity to statement stand. Maybe the reefer

Hello group, I model the midwest and wanted some extra uses for my gons and hoppers so It was my conjecture that "bulk" manure loads might be an accurate bill for them? Lets say the manure is travelin

Yes, this has all been exceptionally helpful!

If anyone does know of any Southern or even Western haulage we'd be happy to hear it! Speaking of western I wouldn't be surprised if California's substantial growing region had shipments in from the m

Hello group, I was doing some "fantasy manifest" where I makeup list of freight trains and imagine each car/load and this question occurred to me: At an origin point such as a busy yard where lots of

Thanks to everyone who helped shed light on this! I'll definitely have to pickup an era specific ORER soon!

Hello all, I would like to model very accurately a few cars -probably loaded flats- carrying military equipment appropriate to my era. I have seen a lot of US Army boxcars or whatever and such but hav

Definitely some kind of boxcar that was converted to a covered hopper. Could be used for anything from concrete to coke. -Bob

I unfortunately never had the privilege of meeting Larry. Could I ask if you'd be willing to share the missing paperwork story? If its too much -thats fine here but thanks! -Bob

Nevermind, I see the attached story now!

Pardon my ignorance on the matter, but why are those specific states highlighted? I was under the impression that any interchange XM car in the continental U.S could be loaded and shipped anywhere. Th

Thanks so much Tim! Fascinating topic. -Bob

Why were they called 'Banana taper'? Ive actually wondered this before. -Bob

Hello all, Does anyone have a good example of commercial vehicles sent by rail on open flatcars? (40's/50's) I know autoboxcars were more than capable of handling most shipments but surely on occasion

Thanks so much guys! I knew in more recent eras quite a bit of vehicles were shipped in the open. But I had assumed that aside from construction and large specialty vehicles it wasnt very common in th