1918; early 20th century where the nation still had many thousands of acres of virgin 1st growth timber. Whomever had the contract for building the wooden cases used what appears to be 100% flat grain lumber. The better quarter sawn lumber was recognized by carpenters for use in pretty and ornate work. Nowadays, I find most carpenters which I talk to don't seem to have an understanding of grain structures in available lumber, which I suppose is due to most lumber used nowadays is poorer quality compared to what was used 100 years ago. Back then, lumber was sometimes graded simply as good, or cull, and when used for T&G single sheathing for box cars, a mix of flat and vertical grain lumber , the weathered looks of the difference of weathering resistance by vertical grained boards amply showed off these individual boards, much more so than the "grooves" on modeled car sides offers us.

-Andy Carlson

Ojai CA