Ages ago when I was young and naive I treated the bars as supports rfor the trainline.

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Bill Pardie

Haha!  Those are paint! There was a question about these many years ago on the list (2008), which appears not to have been answered. They were likely some internal C&O code or marking for some reason. They appear in pairs near the centerline and were either two-color, such as the ones in question or three-color, and were applied to new cars built circa 1940-42 (such as this one, built 2-42).

BTW, when you change the thread, it is useful to include a link to the photo being discussed so that it is easier to find it. Here is the photo in question:

https://pullman-lib.smugmug.com/Railroad-C/i-GPxx846/A

Regards,

Bruce Smith

Auburn, AL

Thanks for reposting the photo Bruce.  I had to go back and look at my car.  At least I included the towing eyes.

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I still don't understand how to identify the A and B end if they ate not labeled.  Are they not exactly the Same?

Bill Pardie

Bill,

Yes, the car may be perfectly symmetrical, or at least without an obvious difference between the ends. 

So, just as you have an issue figuring it out, it is critical that service folks be able figure it out. When there is work to be done on the car, it is critical to refer to one end of the car or the other, as well as to specify which side of the car. Thus, one end is arbitrarily chosen as the "B" end (typically at the design phase, as opposed to in the midst of production) and then it is marked. While it may be stenciled, as on the C&O car (it is often lettered on the END of the car) it may also be cast, or welded onto the car, potentially out of sight.

Regards,

Bruce Smith

Auburn, AL