Maine Central Freight Cars

Maine Central’s car fleet was built around the state’s forest products economy. Boxcars for newsprint and paper, rebuilt cars for pulpwood and woodchips, and insulated woodpulp cars dominated the roster, with steady infusions of leased and new builds to keep up with demand. A clear evolution can be seen: 1930s–40s Magor and ACF steel cars; late-1940s/early 1950s Pullman-Standard PS-1s; and by the late 1970s and early 1980s, modern FMC and Berwick cars.

Maine Central Railroad maintenance-of-way work car No. 990 stands in the foreground at Bangor Yard on 23 August 1978, with a line of boxcars in the familiar pine tree livery beyond. Across the river, the buildings of Bangor, including Rolnick’s auto junkyard, form the backdrop to a scene of everyday yard activity on the MEC. The car has since passed into private ownership on the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad. © Bill Rogerson

By the mid-1960s, MEC launched a repaint and upgrade program on its 40-foot fleet. The “Prime Mover of Maine Industry” slogan began appearing, though not on all cars, and paint practice wasn’t entirely uniform. Some cars wore the block MEC at one end with the rectangular herald at the other; the plan was for every fourth car to be painted in yellow, but in practice, there was considerable variation. Earlier greens (often called “pine green”) coexist with the later harvest yellow introduced on new cushioned 50-foot cars in 1964, then carried forward on the mid-to-late 1970s FMC and Berwick fleets.

A hallmark of the roster is conversion and reuse. Low-side gons became bulkhead pulpwood flats; older boxcars lost their roofs and gained higher sides for woodchips; PS-1s were insulated and sealed for woodpulp. MEC also leaned on Chicago Freight Car Leasing and other lessors to fill gaps, notably in the 8600–8999 series, and adopted cushioning (Keystone, Hydra-Cushion, Freight Saver) as paper traffic demanded gentler handling.

Maine Central 5035, a 40′ 4″ IL 3871 cu. ft. boxcar from series 5000-5199, built by Pullman-Standard in October 1947 (Lot 5877). Location and exact date unknown; possibly taken in 1978 or 1979. © Garland McKee

Boxcars

Boxcars formed the backbone of the MEC freight car fleet, handling everything from paper and newsprint to general merchandise. Over time, the roster reflected a mixture of Magor-built ARA cars from the 1930s and 40s, Pullman-Standard PS-1s, leased cars from Chicago Freight Car Leasing, and modern FMC and Berwick designs. Many were rebuilt or converted for specialised service, including pulpwood and insulated woodpulp cars.

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Maine Central local freight WX-1 is engaged in switching at Detroit, Maine, on 23 August 1978, with EMD GP7s Nos. 575 and 576 working cars on both ends of the locomotives. MEC 5136, a 40-foot boxcar from the rebuilt 5000-series, is visible in the foreground, typical of the road’s ageing but still heavily used freight fleet. © Bill Rogerson
Maine Central boxcar No. 5141, originally from series MEC 6500–6749 built by Pullman-Standard in October 1947 (Lot 5877). Converted in 1969, with 200 cars sold and leased back. 40ft 4in inside length, 10ft 5in inside height, fitted with 7ft Superior doors. Painted green with yellow doors and lettering. Photographed by Craig Walker at Cajon Pass, California on 28 October 1979. © Craig Walker
Maine Central 50ft boxcar No. 9860 at Binghamton, New York, on 6 May 1989. From the 9800–9899 series rebuilt between August 1974 and November 1975 from 40ft PS-1 cars of the 8000–8249 series, these wagons were lengthened to 50ft 6in inside length and 10ft 5in inside height. © Alan S Gaines
Maine Central boxcar No. 10376, built by American Car & Foundry in early 1967 (Lot 11-06136). A 50ft 4in car with 9ft plug door and Freight Saver cushioned underframe, delivered in yellow with green plug doors and used extensively in newsprint service. © Bill Grandin Collection
Maine Central Railroad 50 ft plug door box car No. 10390 at Poughkeepsie, New York, on 29 May 1978. One of a 200-car series built by American Car & Foundry between January and February 1967 (Lot 11-06136), these cars featured 9 ft plug doors and Freight Saver cushioned underframes and were used extensively in newsprint service. Delivered in yellow with green plug doors, the car shows typical late-1970s MEC weathering with little graffiti, reflecting its working life at the height of the Pine Tree Route’s paper traffic. © Bill Rogerson
Maine Central 50ft boxcar No. 29061, built by American Car & Foundry in 1970 (Lot 11-06174), photographed by Jim Parker at Concord, Ontario in October 1970. Part of series MEC 29000–29229. © Jim Parker
Maine Central boxcar No. 29072, a 50ft 6in car with 9ft plug door and waffle sides, built by American Car & Foundry in January 1970 (Lot 11-06174). Delivered in yellow with green lettering as part of series MEC 29000–29229. © Unknown
Maine Central boxcar No. 31073, built by FMC in September 1974 (Lot 17611) as part of series MEC 31000–31249. A 50ft 7in Plate C boxcar of 5283 cu ft capacity, seen at Los Angeles, California on 3 March 1976. © Steve Vincent
Maine Central boxcar No. 31356, built new by FMC in 1976 (Lot 17660) as part of series MEC 31250–31749. Capacity 5283 cu ft. Photographed by Jim Parker at Belleville, Ontario in August 1977. © Jim Parker
Maine Central Railroad box car No. 31419 stands at Poughkeepsie, New York, on 29 May 1978. One of a 500-car series built by FMC between October and December 1976 (Lot 17660), it carries the Pine Tree Route identity of the Maine Central. © Bill Rogerson
Maine Central 50ft 6in boxcar No. 32067 at Allentown, Pennsylvania, on 12 March 1981. One of 250 cars (Nos. 31900–32149) built by FMC in May–June 1980 (Lot 18175), these 75-ton cars featured 10in EOC Freightmaster cushioning, lading band anchors, 10ft sliding doors, and a capacity of 5,347ft³. © Jack D Kuiphoff
Nos.TypeNotes
MEC 2740′ BoxcarBuilt 1/1932. 40 ft 6 in inside length, 9 ft inside height. Wooden boxcar. Painted boxcar red with white lettering. Known from photographs in 1967.
MEC 100–14950′ Boxcar(50 cars) – Built February 1964 by Magor (Lot W-6001). AAR: XM (ECC). Inside length 50 ft 6 in, inside width 9 ft 4 in, inside height 10 ft 5 in. Outside length 57 ft 9 in, outside width 10 ft 8 in, outside height 15 ft 1 in. Door opening 9 ft wide by 9 ft 10 in high, plug type. Capacity 4,932 ft³, load limit 150,000 lb (70 tons). Fitted with Keystone 20 in end-of-car cushioning, the first cushioned cars on the MEC. Delivered in yellow with green doors, but without the “Modern Efficient Cushioning” slogan that later appeared. In service in 1976: 46 cars.
Photos: RCP MEC 109, CFCG MEC 140.
MEC 4248–424940′ BoxcarBuilt 7/1939 by Magor (Lot P9349). 40 ft 5 in inside length, 9 ft 4 in inside height. Equipped with 6 ft doors. Painted green with yellow large herald.
MEC 4250-449940′ BoxcarBuilt 8/1939 by Magor (Lot P9300). ARA 1932-design cars with 9 ft 4 in inside height and 6 ft Youngstown doors.
MEC 4500–499940′ BoxcarBuilt 12/1936 by Magor (Lot P8750). 40 ft 3 in inside length, 9 ft 3 in inside height. Equipped with 6 ft doors.
MEC 5000–519940′ BoxcarBuilt 1/1947. 40 ft 4 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 7 ft Superior doors. Green with yellow doors and lettering. Converted in 1969 from MEC 6500–6749 series; 200 cars sold and leased back.
Models: Micro-Trains – 073 00 120
Photos: CFCG MEC 5005, RRPA MEC 5045, RRPA MEC 5087, RRPA MEC 5101, RCP MEC 5141, CFCG MEC 5170, RRPA MEC 5194.
MEC 6000–624940′ BoxcarConverted in 1970 from MEC 8000–8249 PS-1 series. 40 ft 3 in inside length, 10 ft 6 in inside height. Equipped with 8 ft doors. Yellow with green doors and lettering. Cars acquired from Chicago Freight Car Leasing.
Photos: CFCG MEC 6079, RCP MEC 6117
MEC 6100–649940′ BoxcarBuilt 2/1942 by Magor (Lot P9925). 40 ft 5 in inside length, 9 ft 11 in inside height. Equipped with 6 ft doors. AAR 1937-design cars. Many converted later to pulpwood and insulated cars; none remained after 1970. Upgraded in 1956 with 50-ton trucks, creating the 16000–16284 series. In 1959–60, some were converted to insulated woodpulp cars (2100–2109, 2150–2175). In 1970, 300 cars were refurbished and leased back as MEC 25000–25299, with door openings increased from 6 ft to 8 ft.
Photos: CFCG MEC 6116, CFCG MEC 6307, RCP MEC 6332, CFCG MEC 6356, CFCG MEC 6381, RCP MEC 6408
MEC 6300–634940′ BoxcarBuilt 1/1951. 40 ft 3 in inside length, 10 ft 6 in inside height. Equipped with 8 ft doors. Converted in 1971 from MEC 8000–8249 series.
MEC 6500–674940′ Boxcar (PS-1)(250) Built 10/1947 by Pullman-Standard (Lot 5877). 40 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 6 in inside height. Equipped with 7 ft Superior doors. In 1961, nine cars were insulated for woodpulp service. In 1969, 200 cars were sold and leased back as MEC 5000–5199.
Photo: RRPA MEC 6651.
MEC 8000–824940′ Boxcar (PS-1)Built 5/1951 by Pullman-Standard (Lot 5999A). 40 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 7 ft Youngstown doors.
Models: Atlas 50 000 956 / 50 002 653* / 50 002 654*
Photos: RRPA MEC 8093, CFCG MEC 8191, CFCG MEC 8193, RRPA MEC 8193.
MEC 8250–825440′ BoxcarEx-New Haven 31050 series. Built 1/1969 by Berwick. 40 ft 5 in inside length, 9 ft 11 in inside height. Equipped with 8 ft doors.
MEC 8400–859940′ BoxcarBuilt 9/1957 by ACF (Lot 5032). 40 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 8 ft doors. Painted green.
Photo: CFCG MEC 8430.
MEC 8600–867740′ BoxcarBuilt 1/1947. 40 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 8 ft doors. Ex-Reading cars, leased from Chicago Freight Car Leasing in 1963.
MEC 8678–872940′ BoxcarBuilt 1/1948. 40 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 8 ft doors. Ex-ACF cars, leased from Chicago Freight Car Leasing in 1963.
MEC 8730–877440′ BoxcarBuilt 1/1948. 40 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 8 ft doors. Ex-ACF cars, leased from Chicago Freight Car Leasing in 1963. Ex Reading car leased by Maine Central and painted by the RDG before delivery to MEC.
MEC 8775–877940′ BoxcarBuilt 1/1946. 40 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 8 ft doors. Ex-Reading cars, leased in 1963.
MEC 8800–892440′ BoxcarBuilt 1/1966, rebuilt. 40 ft 5 in inside length, 10 ft 6 in inside height. Equipped with 8 ft doors. Acquired through Chicago Freight Car Leasing in 1967. Originally EJ&E 60400–60899.
Photo: CFCG MEC 8922.
MEC 8925–899940′ BoxcarBuilt 1/1967, rebuilt. 40 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 8 ft doors. Acquired through Chicago Freight Car Leasing in 1967.
MEC 9000–904950′ BoxcarBuilt 1939 by Magor to the AAR 1932 design. 50 ft 5 in inside length, 10 ft inside height. Equipped with two 6 ft doors. Painted green with yellow lettering. In 1968, eighteen were converted to open-top rack cars for woodchip service by removing roofs and extending sides by 2 ft 10 in. Another conversion was made in 1967 as car 9000.
MEC 9050–909950′ BoxcarBuilt 1941. 50 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 1 in inside height. Equipped with two 7 ft doors. Leased from Chicago Freight Car Leasing in 1962.
MEC 9100–934950′ BoxcarBuilt 3/1956 by American Car & Foundry. 50 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 9 ft Youngstown sliding doors. Plain XM classification, no loaders or cushioning. Delivered in March 1956 with 8+8 riveted side panels.
Models: Atlas
MEC 9350–954950′ Boxcar (PS-1)Built 6/1961 by Pullman-Standard (Lot 8615). 50 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 9 ft doors. Delivered in green with aluminium doors, though these were later replaced with steel due to fragility. Favoured for tissue loading because of their relatively low 50-ton capacity.
Photo: CFCG MEC 9358.
MEC 9600–974950′ BoxcarBuilt 1/1964 by Magor (Lot W-6000). 50 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 9 ft doors and cushioned underframes. Delivered in yellow with green doors, the first MEC boxcars to wear the yellow scheme.
MEC 9800–989950′ Boxcar (Rebuilt)Rebuilt 1974–75 from MEC 8000–8249 series PS-1s. Stretched from 40 ft cars to 50 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Rebuilding carried out between August 1974 and November 1975.
Photos: CFCG MEC 9853, RCP MEC 9859, CFCG MEC 9867, RCP MEC 9878, CFCG MEC 9896.
MEC 9965–999950′ BoxcarBuilt 1941. 50 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with two 7 ft doors. Leased from Chicago Freight Car Leasing in 1962.
Photo: CFCG MEC 9969.
MEC 10000–1019950′ BoxcarBuilt 3/1965 by General American Transportation Corp. (GATC). 50 ft 4 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 9 ft doors and Hydra-cushioned underframes. Delivered in yellow with green doors and “Modern Efficient Cushioning” slogan. Early cars had roofwalks; later builds had low brake wheels and no roofwalks.
Photos: CFCG MEC 10050, CFCG MEC 10114, RCP MEC 10115.
MEC 10200–1039950′ Boxcar(200) Built 1–2/1967 by American Car & Foundry (Lot 11-06136). 50 ft 4 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. Equipped with 9 ft plug doors and Freight Saver cushioned underframes. Delivered in yellow with green plug doors. Used heavily in newsprint service.
Photos: CFCG MEC 10227, CFCG MEC 10246, CFCG MEC 10295, CFCG MEC 10315, CFCG MEC 10376, RCP MEC 10389.
MEC 14000–1424740′ BoxcarBuilt 1/1937 by Magor. 40 ft 5 in inside length, 9 ft 4 in inside height. Equipped with 6 ft doors, riding on 50-ton trucks. Many were later rebuilt into other car types.
MEC 14248-1424940′ BoxcarReclassified ex-MEC 4248–4249 circa 1958.
MEC 14250-1449940′ BoxcarReclassified ex-MEC 4250–4499 circa 1958
MEC 14500–1499940′ BoxcarBuilt 1/1939 by Magor. 40 ft 5 in inside length, 9 ft 4 in inside height. Equipped with 6 ft doors, riding on 50-ton trucks. Painted green with yellow large herald. Reclassified from MEC 4500–4999 circa 1958.
MEC 16000–1628440′ BoxcarBuilt 2/1942 by Magor (Lot P9925). 40 ft 3 in inside length, 9 ft 11 in inside height. Equipped with 6 ft doors. Converted from MEC 6100–6499 series beginning in 1956 after truck upgrades. Some later rebuilt to insulated woodpulp cars.
MEC 20000–2014950′ Boxcar(150) Built 9–10/1979 by FMC (Lot 17968). 50 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 6 in inside height. Modern cars painted in yellow.
Photos: CFCG MEC 20001, RCP MEC 20002, RCP MEC 20002, RCP MEC 20003, RCP MEC 20005, RCP MEC 20007, RCP MEC 20011, RCP MEC 20018, CFCG MEC 20021, RCP MEC 20028, RCP MEC 20030, CFCG MEC 20032, RCP MEC 20033, RCP MEC 20035, RCP MEC 20035, RCP MEC 20038, CFCG MEC 20042, RCP MEC 20042, CFCG MEC 20044, CFCG MEC 20049, RCP MEC 20049, CFCG MEC 20052, RCP MEC 20053, RCP MEC 20054, RCP MEC 20056, RCP MEC 20058, RCP MEC 20067, RCP MEC 20073, RCP MEC 20079, RCP MEC 20081, RCP MEC 20088, RCP MEC 20089, RCP MEC 20099, RCP MEC 20102, RCP MEC 20108, RCP MEC 20112, RCP MEC 20112, RCP MEC 20123, RCP MEC 20130, RCP MEC 20131, RCP MEC 20135, RCP MEC 20137, RCP MEC 20138, RCP MEC 20141, RCP MEC 20144, RCP MEC 20144, RCP MEC 20144.
MEC 20150–2034950′ BoxcarBuilt 10/1980 by FMC (Lot 18170). 50 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 6 in inside height. Modern cars painted in yellow.
Photos: RCP MEC 20182, RCP MEC 20197, CFCG MEC 20242.
MEC 24000–2410440′ BoxcarRebuilt beginning in 1964 from MEC 14000 and 14500 series. 40 ft 5 in inside length, 9 ft 3 in inside height. Door openings enlarged to 8 ft. Painted green with yellow medium herald.
Photo: CFCG MEC 24031.
MEC 25000–2529940′ BoxcarEx-6100 series, rebuilt and leased back in 1970. 40’5″ IL, 9’11” IH. 8′ door. Green with yellow doors and lettering. Rebuilt in 1970 from MEC 6100 series. 40 ft 5 in inside length, 9 ft 11 in inside height. Door openings increased from 6 ft to 8 ft. Painted green with yellow doors and lettering.
Photos: RRPA MEC 25094, RRPA MEC 25170, RRPA MEC 25199, RRPA MEC 25240, RCP MEC 25285.
MEC 27000–2703850′ Boxcar(39) Built 1/1954. 50 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 6 in inside height. Equipped with 8 ft doors. Painted yellow with green lettering. Leased from GAEX in 1967.
MEC 27100–2711950′ Boxcar(20) Built 1/1970 by American Car & Foundry. 50 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 11 in inside height. Equipped with 9 ft plug doors, waffle sides, and DF loaders. Painted yellow with green lettering.
MEC 28000–2800450′ Boxcar(5) Built 1967 by Pacific Car & Foundry. 50 ft 7 in inside length, 10 ft 10 in inside height. Equipped with two 8 ft plug doors. Hydra-cushion underframes. Delivered in yellow with one green and one yellow door.
MEC 29000–2922950′ Boxcar(250) ACF Lot 11-06174, built 1/70. 50’6″ IL, 10’11” IH. 9′ plug door, waffle side. Yellow Built 8–9/1970 by American Car & Foundry (Lot 11-06174). 50 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 11 in inside height. Equipped with 9 ft plug doors and waffle sides. Delivered in yellow with green lettering. (29230-29249 renumbered into 27000-27019?)
Photos: RCP MEC 29033, RCP MEC 29058, CFCG MEC 29061, RCP MEC 29072, CFCG MEC 29068, CFCG MEC 29103, RCP MEC 29116, CFCG MEC 29119, RCP MEC 29129, CFCG MEC 29141, RCP MEC 29168, CFCG MEC 29160, CFCG MEC 29211, CFCG MEC 29219, RCP MEC 29229.
MEC 30000–3024950′ Boxcar(250) Built 1–3/1973 by Berwick Forge & Fabricating (Lot 17600). Modern cars.
Photo: RCP MEC 30149.
MEC 31000–3124950′ Boxcar(250) Built 9/1974 by FMC (Lot 17611).
Photos: RCP MEC 31073, CFCG 31095.
MEC 31250–3174950′ Boxcar(500) Built 10–12/1976 by FMC (Lot 17660).
Photos: RCP MEC 31093.
Models: Athearn
MEC 31750–3189950′ Boxcar(150) Built 11/1978 by FMC (Lot 17977).
Photos: RCP MEC 31752, RCP MEC 31752, RCP MEC 31755, RCP MEC 31759, RCP MEC 31760, RCP MEC 31765, RCP MEC 31769, RCP MEC 31774, RCP MEC 31775, RCP MEC 31777, RCP MEC 31783, RCP MEC 31788, RCP MEC 31792, RCP MEC 31794, RCP MEC 31795, RCP MEC 31797, RCP MEC 31799, RCP MEC 31803, RCP MEC 31804, RCP MEC 31809, RCP MEC 31811, RCP MEC 31818, RCP MEC 31829, RCP MEC 31831, RCP MEC 31838, RCP MEC 31840, RCP MEC 31841, RCP MEC 31850…
Models:
MEC 31900-3214950′ Boxcar(250) Built 5–6/1980 by FMC (Lot 18175). These 50′-6″, 75 ton, box cars featured 10″ EOC Freightmaster cushioning, lading band anchors, 10′ sliding doors and 5347 ft3 capacity.
Models: Athearn
MEC 35000–3519950′ Boxcar(200) Built 6–7/1981 by Berwick Forge & Fabricating (Lot 46800). These 50′-6″, 75 ton featured 10′ Superior sliding doors and 5277 ft3 capacity.
Maine Central boxcar 20311, built by FMC in October 1980 (Lot 18170), photographed freshly repainted into Guilford white at East Deerfield in late 1982. Originally delivered in Maine Central Harvest Gold. © David Kruschwitz

Gondolas

Gondolas on the Maine Central were a mixed group ranging from 1930s Bethlehem drop-bottom cars to modern 1970s Evans-built 50-footers. Many were later rebuilt for ore, pulpwood, or limerock service, making them one of the most versatile fleets on the roster.

Nos.TypeNotes
MEC 1100–1174GondolaBuilt 10–11/1975 by Evans–SEICO (Order 1263A). 50 ft inside length. Modern general-service gondolas.
Photos: RCP MEC 1103, RCP MEC 1107, RCP MEC 1118, RCP MEC 1122, RCP MEC 1125, RCP MECC 1136, RCP MECC 1137, RCP MECC 1138, RCP MECC 1143, RCP MECC 1148, RCP MECC 1161, RCP MECC 1164, RCP MECC 1166.
Models: MEC 1104 Atlas 50 004 696 ★, MEC 1123 Atlas 45533 ★.
MEC 3153–3167GondolaBuilt 1/1937 by Bethlehem. 41 ft 6 in inside length, 6 ft inside height. Drop-bottom gondolas with wood side extensions.
MEC 3200–3299GondolaBuilt 1/1937 by Bethlehem. 41 ft 6 in inside length, 4 ft 8 in inside height. Drop-bottom gondolas.
MEC 3300–3449GondolaBuilt 1/1939 by Bethlehem. 41 ft 6 in inside length, 4 ft 8 in inside height. Drop-bottom gondolas, later used as source stock for ore car conversions.
MEC 12000–12042GondolaBuilt 1/1943 by Bethlehem. 52 ft 6 in inside length, 3 ft 8 in inside height. Open fishbelly gondolas painted black with white lettering. Ex–Norfolk & Western, leased 1969.
MEC 13000–13039GondolaBuilt 1/1937 by Bethlehem. 41 ft 6 in inside length, 4 ft 8 in inside height. Solid-bottom gondolas.
MEC 13050–13069Gondola (Ore)Converted 1968 from MEC 3200–3449 series. Originally built 1/1937, 41 ft 5 in inside length, 4 ft 7 in inside height. Solid-bottom gondolas fitted with roofs for ore service.
MEC 13070–13099Gondola (Ore)Converted 1968 from MEC 3200–3449 series. Originally built 1/1937, 41 ft 6 in inside length, 4 ft 8 in inside height. Solid-bottom gondolas fitted with roofs for ore service.
MEC 17000–17149GondolaBuilt 1/1939 by Bethlehem. 41 ft 6 in inside length, 3 ft 4 in inside height. Low-sided gondolas for general and limerock service. Painted black with white lettering. Many later rebuilt as pulpwood cars (see MEC 1700–1774, 1900–1914).
MEC 17009, 17045, 17096, 17101, 17146–17147Gondola (Limerock)Built 1/1939 by Bethlehem. 41 ft 6 in inside length, 3 ft 4 in inside height. Limerock gondola with 8 ft door. Painted black with white lettering.
MEC 17024Gondola (Limerock)Built 1/1939 by Bethlehem. 41 ft 6 in inside length, 3 ft 4 in inside height. Limerock gondola with 7 ft door. Painted black with white lettering.

Covered Hoppers

Covered hoppers on the Maine Central roster were mainly used for cement and grain service, with conversions from older open hoppers supplemented by new builds from ACF, Bethlehem, and Pullman-Standard.

A unique feature of the MEC fleet was a group of rebuilt offset hoppers in the 2300–2400 series, assigned to haul wooden clothes pins from Maine’s mills. These were smaller cars, often painted green with yellow lettering, and stood out among the gray cement-service fleet. Later PS-2 designs (2475–2509) provided more standardised capacity for cement, while a small group of 1932-built triples was converted in 1963 for grain service (2600-series).

Maine Central covered hopper No. 2499 at East Deerfield, Massachusetts, on 6 May 1989. From the 2490–2509 series of PS-2 hoppers built by Pullman-Standard in June 1957 (Lot 8360), these 35ft 3in cars with an inside height of 9ft 8in were designed for cement service and fitted with eight round hatches. Painted grey with black lettering. © Alan S Gaines
Nos.TypeNotes
MEC 2300–2301Covered HopperConverted 1959 from MEC 3868 and 3931. Originally built 1/1941, 33 ft inside length, 9 ft 2 in inside height. Offset hoppers for “clothes pin” service. Painted green with yellow lettering.
MEC 2302Covered HopperConverted 1960 from MEC 3855. Originally built 1/1941, 33 ft inside length, 10 ft 9 in inside height. Offset hopper for “clothes pin” service. Painted green with yellow lettering.
MEC 2303Covered HopperConverted 1967 from MEC 3945. Originally built 1/1941, 34 ft inside length, 10 ft 9 in inside height. Offset hopper for “clothes pin” service. Painted green with yellow lettering.
MEC 2400-2401Covered HopperBuilt 1/1941. 34 ft inside length, 10 ft 9 in inside height. Offset hoppers in “clothes pin” service. Painted green with yellow lettering.
MEC 2406, 2408–2409Covered HopperRebuilt 1934 from earlier designs; retired 1968. 31 ft 8 in inside length, 9 ft 11 in inside height. Cement service. Painted black with white lettering.
MEC 2410–2419Covered HopperBuilt 4/1942 by American Car & Foundry (Lot 2338). 32 ft 3 in inside length, 9 ft 8 in inside height. Cement service with window, 10 square hatches. Painted gray with black lettering.
MEC 2420–2429Covered HopperBuilt 1/1942 by American Car & Foundry. 32 ft 3 in inside length, 9 ft 8 in inside height. Cement service with window, 10 square hatches. Painted gray with black lettering.
MEC 2430–2444Covered HopperBuilt 1/1947 by American Car & Foundry. 35 ft 2 in inside length, 9 ft 8 in inside height. Cement service with wind-deflected 8 square hatches. Painted gray with black lettering.
MEC 2445–2459Covered HopperBuilt 11/1952 by Pullman-Standard (Lot 8070). 35 ft 2 in inside length, 9 ft 8 in inside height. Cement service with 8 square hatches. Painted gray with black lettering.
MEC 2460–2474Covered HopperBuilt 10/1953 by Bethlehem Steel Car Co. 33 ft 10 in inside length, 10 ft 3 in inside height. Cement service. Painted gray with black lettering.
MEC 2475–2489Covered Hopper (PS-2)Built 7/1954 by Pullman-Standard (Lot 8195B). 35 ft 3 in inside length, 9 ft 8 in inside height. PS-2 design for cement service with 8 round hatches. Painted gray with black herald.
MEC 2490–2509Covered Hopper (PS-2)Built 6/1957 by Pullman-Standard (Lot 8360). 35 ft 3 in inside length, 9 ft 8 in inside height. PS-2 design for cement service with 8 round hatches. Painted gray with black lettering.
MEC 2510–2514Covered HopperDetails of builder and build date unknown.
MEC 2600–2604Covered HopperConverted 1963 from MEC 1803, 1813, 1827–1829. Originally built 1/1932, 38 ft 2 in inside length, 11 ft 10 in inside height. Offset-end triple hoppers adapted for grain service. Painted gray with black small herald.

Hoppers

Open hoppers on the Maine Central roster were mainly twin and triple offset-end designs built by Bethlehem in the 1930s and 1940s. Some served their entire lives in coal and ore traffic, while others were rebuilt into covered hoppers for grain or cement service.

Nos.TypeNotes
MEC 1800–1826Open Hopper (Triple)Built 1/1932 by Bethlehem. 36 ft 9 in inside length, 8 ft 3 in inside height. Offset-end triple hoppers.
MEC 1803, 1813, 1827–1829Open Hopper (Triple, donor)Converted 1963 into covered hoppers for grain service (MEC 2600–2604 series). Originally built 1/1932, offset-end triple hoppers.
MEC 3700–3848Open Hopper (Twin)Built 1/1936 by Bethlehem. 33 ft inside length, 7 ft 5 in inside height. Offset twin hoppers painted black with yellow small herald.
MEC 3850–3949Open Hopper (Twin)Built 1/1941 by Bethlehem. 33 ft inside length, 7 ft 5 in inside height. Offset twin hoppers.

Flat Cars

Flat cars on the Maine Central roster were used for a variety of services, from piggyback trailer loading to bulk commodities like gypsum. Many were rebuilt from older gondolas or pulpwood cars, while others were delivered new from builders such as Bethlehem and Greenville. Bulkhead flats appeared in the late 1950s and early 1960s, some converted from existing cars to handle specialised traffic.

Nos.TypeNotes
MEC 202–216Flat CarBuilt 1/1960 by Bethlehem. 50 ft 7 in inside length.
MEC 217–236Flat CarBuilt 1/1932 by Bethlehem. 51 ft 10 in inside length.
MEC 251–253Flat CarConverted 1969 from MEC 211–213. Originally built 1/1944, 53 ft 10 in inside length.
MEC 401–403Flat Car (Piggyback)Converted 1958 from MEC 3200-series gondolas. Originally built 1/1937, 42 ft 2 in inside length. Piggyback service.
MEC 7399Flat CarConverted from MEC 7271 pulpwood car. Originally built 1/1932, 42 ft 1 in inside length.
MEC 7401Flat CarBuilt 1/1953 by Greenville. 53 ft 6 in inside length. Black with white lettering.
MEC 7450–7451Bulkhead FlatBuilt 1/1959 by Chicago Freight Car Co. 48 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft inside height. Bulkhead flat.
MEC 7452–7454Bulkhead FlatConverted 1961 from Central Railroad of New Jersey gondola 1001-series. Originally built 1/1961, 48 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft inside height. Bulkhead flat.
MEC 7455–7459Bulkhead FlatConverted 1963 from MEC 7595–7599. Originally built 1/1961, 49 ft 11 in inside length, 7 ft 11 in inside height. Bulkhead flat.
MEC 7460–7464Bulkhead FlatConverted 1965 from MEC 7590–7594. Originally built 1/1961, 49 ft 11 in inside length, 10 ft inside height. Bulkhead flat.

Pulpwood Cars

Pulpwood cars were designed specifically for hauling short 4-foot logs cut for the paper industry. Unlike standard flatcars or gondolas, these cars had bulkheads or modified box bodies to contain the irregular logs securely during transit. The Maine Central rostered several distinct designs over the years:

  • Early conversions of boxcars with their roofs removed and sides raised, creating open-top pulpwood boxes.
  • Bulkhead flats built new or rebuilt from gondolas, fitted with wood or steel floors.

Because pulpwood was both heavy and rough-handling, these cars were simpler and sturdier than later high-capacity woodchip cars. Where woodchip cars were about volume, pulpwood cars were about strength and restraint — their role was to move thousands of cords of logs from Maine forests to the region’s pulp and paper mills.

Bulkhead flat cars are loaded with cut pulpwood at East Newport, Maine, on 23 August 1978. A truck-mounted crane transfers timber into the wagons. © Bill Rogerson
Nos.TypeNotes
MEC 200-201Pulpwood Car (Skeleton)Built 1/1944. 50 ft 1 in inside length, 8 ft 3 in inside height. Skeleton bulkhead flat with flat floor.
MEC 1400–1599Pulpwood CarBuilt 1/1964 by Magor Car Co. 64 ft between outside bulkheads, 8 ft 2 in inside height. Centre bulkhead flat, painted black with yellow lettering.
Models: N Scale Kits, Highball Graphics
Photos: RCP MEC 1470.
MEC 1700–1749Pulpwood Car (Bulkhead Flat)Built 1/1967. 40 ft 5 in inside length, 8 ft 4 in inside height. Bulkhead flat with wood floor, painted black with yellow lettering. Converted from MEC 17000–17149 low-side gondolas.
MEC 1750–1774Pulpwood Car (Bulkhead Flat)Built 1/1968. 40 ft 5 in inside length, 8 ft 4 in inside height. Bulkhead flat with wood floor, painted black. Converted from MEC 17000–17149 low-side gondolas.
MEC 1900–1914Pulpwood Car (Bulkhead Flat)Built 1/1968. 36 ft 9 in inside length, 8 ft 4 in inside height. Bulkhead flat with wood floor, painted black with yellow lettering. Converted from MEC 3100–3114 gondolas.
MEC 6850–6909Pulpwood Car (Open Top Box)Converted 1961 from MEC 14000 series. Originally built 1/1937, 40 ft 5 in inside length, 9 ft 3 in inside height. Open-top car with 6 ft door. Ex-MEC 4248 with roof removed and sides extended by 1 ft between 1961–64. Retired by 1968.
MEC 6900Pulpwood Car (Open Top Box)Converted 1967 from MEC 9000–9049 series. Originally built 1/1939, 42 ft inside length, 9 ft 4 in inside height. 6 ft door, open-top box conversion. Painted green with yellow large herald.
MEC 6910–6934Pulpwood Car (Open Top Box)Converted from MEC 16000–16284 series. Originally built 1/1947, 40 ft 7 in inside length, 9 ft 4 in inside height. 6 ft door, open-top box conversion. Painted green with yellow large herald.
MEC 6940–6986Pulpwood Car (Open Top Box)Converted from MEC 55500–55561 series. Originally built 1/1944, 40 ft 7 in inside length, 10 ft 4 in inside height. 6 ft door, open-top box conversion.
MEC 6987–7000Pulpwood Car (Open Top Box)Converted batch. Originally built 1/1937, 40 ft 5 in inside length, 9 ft 3 in inside height. 6 ft door, open-top box.
MEC 6990Pulpwood Car (Experimental)Experimental conversion. 41 ft 9 in inside length, 8 ft 8 in inside height. Four-door wood box.
MEC 6992, 6993, 6998Pulpwood CarConverted from 35000 series boxcars. 40 ft 9 in inside length, 8 ft 8 in inside height. Four-door wood box.
MEC 7550–7589Pulpwood Car (Bulkhead Flat)Built 1/1961 by Thrall. 49 ft 3 in inside length, 7 ft 7 in inside height. Bulkhead flat with grid floor, painted black with yellow lettering.
MEC 7600–7649Pulpwood Car (Bulkhead Flat)Built 1/1954 by Bethlehem. 45 ft 9 in inside length, 8 ft 1 in inside height. Bulkhead flat with grid floor.
MEC 7660–7677Pulpwood Car (Bulkhead Flat)Built 1/1954 by International Steel. 45 ft 9 in inside length, 8 ft 2 in inside height. Bulkhead flat with grid floor.
MEC 7680–7699Pulpwood Car (Bulkhead Flat)Ex-D&H, acquired 1964. Originally built 1/1956, 38 ft 2 in inside length, 8 ft inside height. Bulkhead flat with grid floor, painted black with white lettering.
MEC 7900Pulpwood Car (Bulkhead Flat)Converted from MEC 7013 gondola. Originally built 1/1932, 40 ft 6 in inside length, 8 ft 4 in inside height. Bulkhead flat with wood floor.
MEC 7901Pulpwood Car (Bulkhead Flat)Converted from MEC 17069 gondola. Originally built 1/1939, 41 ft 6 in inside length, 7 ft 5 in inside height. Bulkhead flat with wood floor.
MEC 7902Pulpwood Car (Bulkhead Flat)Converted 1964 from MEC 17052 gondola. Originally built 1/1939, 41 ft 6 in inside length, 7 ft 5 in inside height. Bulkhead flat with grid floor.
MEC 7905–7909Pulpwood Car (Bulkhead Flat)Converted 1967 from MEC 3300–3349 gondolas. Originally built 1/1939, 43 ft 1 in inside length, 8 ft 4 in inside height. Bulkhead flat with grid floor.
MEC 9600Pulpwood Car (Converted Box)From MEC 9200 series boxcars. Originally built 1/1964, 50 ft 7 in inside length, 9 ft 10 in inside height. One 9 ft door installed, open-top conversion, painted green with large herald.

Woodchip Cars

Woodchip cars were developed to move lightweight, high-volume woodchips produced as a by-product of sawmills and used in paper production. Unlike pulpwood cars, which carried heavy 4-ft logs, these cars needed capacity rather than strength. To achieve this, the Maine Central converted standard boxcars and hoppers by removing the roofs, extending the sides, or adding racks, creating tall-sided cars able to carry far more volume.

The result was a family of cars that looked ungainly compared to regular freight stock, but they were essential for the bulk, low-density traffic moving from Maine’s sawmills to its pulp and paper mills. Their light loads meant they often ran in long blocks, visually distinct with their high sides and, in some cases, hinged plywood doors.

Nos.TypeNotes
MEC 1890–1893Woodchip CarConverted 1963 from MEC 3500–3504 series. Originally built 1/1932, 41 ft 3 in inside length, 13 ft 2 in inside height. Quad hopper with wood side extensions.
MEC 1896–1899Woodchip CarPurchased from BAR in 1960. Originally built 1/1932, 40 ft 8 in inside length, 13 ft inside height. Three-bay hopper with steel side extensions.
MEC 55500–55561Woodchip CarConverted 1964 from MEC 4000, 5000, and 14000 series boxcars. Originally built 1/1944, 40 ft 5 in inside length, 12 ft 6 in inside height. Open-top boxcars with extended sides.
MEC 56001–56005Woodchip CarConverted 1963 from MEC 36000–36300 series (boxcars?). Originally built 1/1932, 40 ft 6 in inside length, 9 ft inside height. Open top with 8 ft door.
MEC 56050–56052Woodchip CarConverted 1966 from MEC 5000–6003 series. Originally built 1/1932, 40 ft 7 in inside length, 12 ft 6 in inside height. Open top with 8 ft door and extended sides.
MEC 57000–57017Woodchip CarConverted 1966 from MEC 9000–9049 series boxcars. Originally built 1/1939 by Magor to the AAR 1932 design, 50 ft 7 in inside length, 12 ft 6 in inside height. Open-top rack cars for woodchip service with extended 2 ft 10 in sides, roofs removed, and sliding doors replaced by hinged plywood doors. Painted green with yellow lettering.

Woodpulp Cars

Woodpulp cars were insulated boxcars designed to carry processed pulp — baled or rolled sheets of semi-finished paper stock — from mills to finishing plants. Unlike pulpwood cars (for 4-ft logs) or woodchip cars (for loose chips), these needed tight temperature control and protection from moisture. The Maine Central rostered several groups, mostly rebuilt from older boxcars, that were lined, insulated, and often sealed for pulp service.

Maine Central insulated boxcar No. 2104 at Fairfield, Maine, photographed by George Melvin on 29 January 1980. These cars originated as Magor-built 40ft AAR 1937-design boxcars (Nos. 6100–6499) delivered in February 1942, later rebuilt between 1959 and 1960 for woodpulp service as insulated cars numbered 2100–2109. Seen here in the Keyes Fibre service scheme. © George Melvin
Nos.TypeNotes
MEC 2100-2109Insulated Woodpulp CarConverted 1959–1960 from Magor AAR 1937 boxcars. Insulated woodpulp cars rebuilt for woodpulp service.
Photos: RRPA MEC 2102, RRPA MEC 2105.
MEC 2119-2124Insulated Woodpulp CarInsulated PS-1 converted from 6500–6759 series in 1966–67.
MEC 2125-2133Insulated Woodpulp CarInsulated PS-1 converted from 6500–6759 series in 1961.
Photos: RRPA MEC 2130.
MEC 2134-2146Insulated Woodpulp CarInsulated PS-1 converted from 6500–6759 series by 1965.
MEC 2150-2175Insulated Woodpulp CarMGR AAR 1937 boxcars converted 1959–60 to insulated woodpulp cars.

Miscellaneous Cars

Nos.TypeNotes
MEC 1–250′ Reefer, MechanicalBuilt 1/1965 by Pacific Car & Foundry. 50 ft inside length, 8 ft 11 in inside height; 57 ft over length. Mechanical reefers painted yellow with green lettering.
Photos: RCP MEC 1.
Models: MEC 1 Athearn 11105 ★.
MEC 300–304Tank CarBuilt 1/1932 by UTLX. 30 ft 5 in inside length, 10 ft 5 in inside height. 10,000-gallon insulated tank cars with steam coils, painted black with white lettering.
MEC 715–716Tank CarBuilt 1/1932. 33 ft 4 in inside length, 11 ft 1 in inside height. 10,000-gallon tank cars painted black with white lettering.
MEC 57013Rack CarConverted 1966 from MEC 9000–9049 series boxcars. Originally built 1/1939, 50 ft 7 in inside length, 12 ft 6 in inside height. Scrap auto body rack service.
A derailed Maine Central boxcar #31980 lying at an angle off the tracks in Auburn, Maine, after a wreck in March 1982. © Dean Abramson.
Maine Central 50′ FMC boxcar #31980 (Lot 18175; built May/June 1980) derailed at Auburn, Maine, following an accident in March 1982. © Dean Abramson

More Information

  • Sweetland, David R., and Stephen Horsley. Northern New England Color Guide to Freight & Passenger Equipment. Morning Sun Books, 1995.

Epilogue

By the early 1980s, the shape of MEC’s freight roster told the story: paper paid the bills, and everything else was built around it. The 1930s Magor steel cars and early PS-1s were either rebuilt into something useful (pulpwood, woodchip, woodpulp) or pushed off the property. The yellow era brought cushioned 50-footers and then the FMC/Berwick fleets that finally met the loading, damage, and interchange demands of modern paper traffic.

Guilford’s arrival accelerated rationalization. Oddball conversions and small specialty pools were thinned, lease fleets cycled out, and standardization won. The “Prime Mover of Maine Industry” slogan faded with the last green holdouts and the pragmatic yellow that defined the 1960s–1980s paper boom became the visual memory most people have of MEC freight.

Not much survived intact. A handful of cars trickled into MOW service or museums; most were scrapped, sold, or quietly re-marked into anonymity. For historians and modelers, the paper trail—shop cards, lease stencils, lot numbers, and the scars of every conversion—matters as much as the paint. It’s messy, inconsistent, and very MEC: use what you’ve got, make it work, and keep the mills fed.

2 Comments

  1. Fantastic writeup! Do you know what the MEC/Guilford wood pulp fleet looked like in the 1990s? The cars you mention here don’t seem to be in use by that timeframe. Would it be former newsprint cars that had been displaced by the FMC fleet?

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your kind comment, Ben.

      That’s slightly beyond the period I’ve focused on here, which is really up to the mid-1980s, so I’ve not looked in detail at the Guilford-era fleet.

      Best of luck with your research. It’s a really interesting period to dig into. I’d be very happy to add more to this page if you uncover anything.

      Reply

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