The boxcar has been a defining feature of freight railroading for more than a century, serving as the backbone of rail transport across North America. Its versatility made it the industry’s all-purpose workhorse, capable of hauling a wide range of cargo that required secure, enclosed protection from the elements. In the early 20th century, boxcars typically measured 40 feet in length and had a capacity of around 40 tons. These compact yet practical cars were the standard for decades, but as shipping demands grew, so did the boxcar. By the 1950s, 50-foot boxcars became the new norm, offering greater capacity for bulkier goods. The evolution continued into the 1960s with the introduction of 86-foot excess-height boxcars, designed to meet the needs of the automotive industry and other sectors requiring larger, specialized shipping solutions.
Alongside changes in size, the materials and construction of boxcars also advanced. Early boxcars were made of wood, which offered basic protection but limited strength and durability. By the mid-20th century, steel had become the material of choice, providing superior strength, weather resistance, and longer service life. Design innovations to roofs, ends, and doors made boxcars more secure and easier to load and unload, further enhancing their utility.
Although intermodal shipping has since taken over much of the freight that once travelled by boxcar, they remain a vital part of modern railroading. Today, boxcars continue to transport essential goods that are less suited to containerized shipping, such as auto parts, paper products, canned goods, and other cargo requiring enclosed protection. Their enduring presence on the rails is a testament to their adaptability, with each generation of boxcars reflecting the changing needs of industry, technology, and commerce.
Roofs
Running Boards
The evolution of running boards on boxcars offers valuable details for modellers. Initially, wooden running boards were standard, with three central stringers and lateral panels extending to the car’s side ladder at each corner. These were typically painted to match the car’s primary colour but required extensive maintenance due to their susceptibility to wear from the elements. As such, running boards on older cars were often replaced as they deteriorated, offering a chance to model a car with new, updated components. The shift to steel running boards began in the late 1930s and became mandatory for new cars by 1945. Steel boards offered enhanced durability and were more resistant to wear and weather conditions, providing a longer-lasting solution.
Steel running boards came in various styles, with the most common being the rectangular grid pattern, but diagonal grids and perforated holes were also used. These variations are important for modellers, as the design of the running board can help distinguish different eras and types of cars. The pattern could vary by manufacturer, meaning the use of the correct grid or perforation style on models can add realism. Modellers can replicate these details by carefully studying prototype photographs, as these styles would have varied by decade and car type.
Running boards were phased out on new cars by 1966 and, with a few exceptions, were to be removed from older cars by 1974 though the deadline was later extended until 1979. As older cars were serviced, their running boards were removed, and ladders were typically cut down to four rungs to comply with the new regulations. When modelling these changes, it’s important to note that cars modified during this period would often retain their running board supports and ladder brackets even after the boards were removed. This distinction makes the cars stand out from fully modernized equipment, with the brackets and supports serving as visible remnants of an earlier design.
Modellers interested in this period can replicate the transition in detail by using both modified and unmodified cars in their layouts. For cars with retained supports, adding small details like the brackets and ladder configurations will offer an authentic look to a fleet of cars from the 1970s. Using aftermarket detail kits that include running board supports, ladders, and brake wheel modifications will also help capture the unique character of these transitional freight cars. Additionally, it’s important to note that, especially in more rural settings, older cars that hadn’t been fully modernised might still be in service, adding even more depth to a period-based layout. These subtle differences not only enhance the historical accuracy of a model railroad but also give modellers a chance to explore the visual impact of these regulatory changes on the cars’ design.
Understanding these transitions is key for accurately representing freight cars from the period, particularly when modelling cars that show the evolution of the boxcar and other house cars from the older, more traditional styles to the newer, streamlined designs seen in the later years of the 20th century.
- URSA – United States Railroad Administration (government control of U.S. railroads during World War I)
- ARA – American Railway Association (industry standards body active until 1934)
- AAR – Association of American Railroads (successor to ARA, established in 1934)
- ICC – Interstate Commerce Commission (U.S. federal agency regulating railroads from 1887 to 1995)
- FRA – Federal Railroad Administration (U.S. agency overseeing rail safety and policy)
Freight Car Builders & Manufacturers
- ACF – American Car & Foundry (major U.S. railcar manufacturer)
- FMC – Food Machinery Corporation (manufacturer of boxcars and other rolling stock)
- NSC – National Steel Car (major Canadian railcar manufacturer based in Hamilton, Ontario)
- PS – Pullman-Standard (historic U.S. builder of passenger and freight cars)
- Budd – The Budd Company (pioneer of stainless-steel passenger cars and rail vehicles)
- Thrall – Thrall Car Manufacturing Company (U.S. manufacturer of freight cars, later merged into Trinity Rail)
- Trinity – Trinity Industries (U.S. manufacturer of railcars, including tank cars, covered hoppers, and boxcars)
- Greenbrier – The Greenbrier Companies (global manufacturer of freight railcars, headquartered in Oregon, USA)
- GATX – General American Transportation Corporation (lessor of tank cars and other rail equipment)
- UTLX – Union Tank Car Company (major manufacturer and lessor of tank cars)
- Procor – Canadian lessor and manufacturer of tank cars, often seen in Canada and the U.S.
1932 ARA Box Cars
BAR, C&O, CG, CGW, CP, CRR, D&H, ERIE, I-GN, MEC, MI, MP, NC&StL, NdeM, NKP, NOT&M, NS, NYC, PRR, SAL, WM
- http://steamerafreightcars.com/prototype/frtcars/1932ara.html
- http://www.railgoat.railfan.net/ara_aar/ara_1932.htm
1937 AAR Box Cars
Post-war AAR Box Cars
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Rutland – Route of the Whippet
| Series | Qty | Design | AAR | Capacity | Inside Length | Inside Width | Inside Height | Doors Width | Doors Height | Builder | Lot | From | Notes | Modelling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100-107 | 8 | Pullman-Standard PS-1, 7ft wide Youngstown doors | [40ft] | 7ft | Pullman-Standard | 1954 | ||||||||
| 108-199 | 92 | Pullman-Standard PS-1 – 7ft wide Superior doors | [40ft] | 7ft | Pullman-Standard | 1954 | ||||||||
| 200-299 | 100 | [40ft] | 7ft | Pullman-Standard | 1956 | |||||||||
| 400-450 | 50 | Pullman-Standard PS-1 – 8ft 6in wide Pullman-Standard doors | [40ft] | 8ft 6in | Pullman-Standard | Apr 1957 | ||||||||
| 6000-6088 | 89 | XM | 40ft 6in | 6ft | Rebuilt from 8000 and 9000 series box cars between 1941 and 1952. | |||||||||
| 7999 | 1 | Single Sheath Wood Box Car with Wood Doors & Steel Ends | XM | 50T | 40ft 6in | Originally built for CN in 1917. | ||||||||
| 8000-8299 | 300 | XM | 40T | 40ft 6in | 6ft | 1924 | ||||||||
| 9000-9199 | 200 | XM | 40ft 6in |
http://www.railgoat.railfan.net/other_cars/mec_cars/mec_type/box/mec_box.htm
FMC 5272
MEC 20000 – 20149
MEC 31900 – 32149
ACF 5270
MEC 29000 – 29229
FMC 5277
MEC 31250-31749
MEC 31250-31749
FMC 5347 50′ Boxcars
MEC 31900 – 32149
NACC 50 Foot Insulated
The 1960s was a period of development that would set the course of railroading as we see it today. The North American Car Corporation designed and built a 50’ outside post, insulated, plug-door boxcar which proved to be a vision of developments to come.
NSC Newsprint Box Car
In 1967, the National Steel Car Corporation of Hamilton, Ontario, created the first purpose-built cars for handling dedicated newsprint paper transport between Canada and the US. These cars featured riveted or welded sides, and completely smooth interior surfaces – including the doors – which was necessary to protect the large rolls of paper which weighed as much as 2000 pounds each. These rolls were normally stacked two high, requiring an internal height of more than 9 feet for clearance. These paper rolls also required large door openings, and the cars featured sliding Youngstown lever-type flush plug doors or lever-less exterior post plug doors. These cars were originally purchased by seven different railroads (CN, CV, CP, DWP, PGE, MDW, and QNS&L) and were regularly seen in international paper shipping services through the late 2000s. Over their long lifespans, they wore many different, usually colourful, paint schemes which made these cars readily identifiable in any consist.
True Line Trains 50-ft. NSC newsprint
CP 81137 XM
—
50′ NSC 5092 Boxcar (-1969-1970-)
True Line Trains?
50′ PS 5077 Boxcar (1972-1979)
NARC More details.
- CR 168000-168499 (PC 168000-168499)
- RBOX 14000-14999
- RBOX 15000-16499
- C&IM 1010
- RBOX 21000-21599
- PRV 1000-1049
- NSL 101600-101899
- CR 168000-168499 (PC 168000-168499)
50′ Berwick 5277 Boxcar (-1974-1981-)
50′ SIECO 5277 Boxcar (-1978-)
- CV 600400–600427
50′ FMC 5347 Boxcar (-1979-)
Athearn/Fox Valley?
- CV 600100–600124
50′ FMC 5344 Boxcar (-1979-)
50′ PC&F 5241/5317 Boxcar (-1979-)
—
- ACF Box Car 4928
- ACF Box Car 5077 Plate B
- ACF Box Car 5080
- ACF Box Car 5098 Combo Door
- ACF Box Car 5139
- ACF Box Car 6385
- ACF Box Car 6545 Double Sheathed
- Berwick Box Car 5054 Plate C
- Berwick Box Car 5077 Plate B
- Berwick Box Car 5081
- Berwick Box Car 5277 Golden Tye-Berwick Kit
- Berwick Box Car 5277 Plug Door
- Berwick Box Car 5277 Waffle
- Berwick Box Car 5277
- Berwick Box Car 5308 Plug Door
- Berwick Box Car 5486 Partial Waffle
- Berwick Box Car 7321 Waffle
- Berwick Box Car 7327
- Berwick Box Car 7400
- CNCF Box Car 5077
- CNCF Box Car 5277
- Evans Box Car 5277
- FMC Box Car 4131 Plate B SP Signature
- FMC Box Car 5077 Double 8′ Plug Door
- FMC Box Car 5077 Double Door
- FMC Box Car 5077 Offset Double Door
- FMC Box Car 5077
- FMC Box Car 5080 Double Door Union Pacific Signature
- FMC Box Car 5151 12′ Plug Door
- FMC Box Car 5234 Double Door Double Sheathed
- FMC Box Car 5243 Single Door (Reduced Door)
- FMC Box Car 5258 (Reduced Door)
- FMC Box Car 5272
- FMC Box Car 5277 12′ Plug Door
- FMC Box Car 5277 12′ Plug Door (Extended Height)
- FMC Box Car 5277 Plug Door
- FMC Box Car 5283 (Reduced Door)
- FMC Box Car 5283 10′ Plug Door
- FMC Box Car 5283 Double Door
- FMC Box Car 5283 Partial Waffle
- FMC Box Car 5295
- FMC Box Car 5322 Double 8′ Plug Door
- FMC Box Car 5327 12′ Plug Door
- FMC Box Car 5337 (Extended Height)
- FMC Box Car 5347 6′ and 10′ Double Door
- FMC Box Car 5347 Double Door
- FMC Box Car 5347
- FMC Box Car 5355
- FMC Box Car 5357 12′ Plug Door (Extended Height)
- FMC Box Car 5360
- FMC Box Car 5395 (Extended Height)
- FMC Box Car 5503 Double Door
- FMC Box Car 6024 Double V-Latch Plug Door Partial Waffle
- FMC Box Car 6047 12′ Plug Door (Extended Height)
- FMC Box Car 6089 Double 8′ Plug Door
- FMC Box Car 6156 Double Door
- FMC Box Car 6156 Double 8′ Plug Door MDW Signature
- FMC Box Car 6163 Double 8′ Plug Door Milwaukee Road Signature
- FMC Box Car 6189 Double 8′ Plug Door Union Pacific Signature
- FMC Box Car 6289 Double 8′ Plug Door
- FMC Box Car 6307 Double 8′ Plug Door Plate C+
- FMC Box Car 6348 12′ Plug Door, Santa Fe Signature
- FMC Box Car 6348 Partial Waffle Santa Fe Signature
- FMC Box Car 6368 Partial Waffle Santa Fe Signature
- FMC Box Car 6389 Double Door (Extended Height)
- FMC Box Car 6468 Double 8′ Plug Door Plate F
- FMC Box Car 6554 6′ and 10′ Youngstown Double Door Double Sheathed
- FMC Box Car 6589 6′ and 10′ Youngstown Double Door Outside Braced
- FMC Box Car 6589
- FMC Box Car 7340
- FMC Box Car 7468 Double 8′ Door, Double Sheathed
- Gunderson Box Car 5087 12′ Plug Door KCS Signature
- Gunderson Box Car 5277 12′ Plug Door CN Signature
- Gunderson Box Car 5327 10′-4″ Plug Door
- Gunderson Box Car 5357 12′ Plug Door
- Gunderson Box Car 5997 Double Door
- Gunderson Box Car 6236 Double 8′ Plug Door
- Gunderson Box Car 6269 12′ Plug Door
- Gunderson Box Car 6354 Double Plug Door NS Signature
- Gunderson Box Car 6504 12′ Plug Door
- Gunderson Box Car 6504 12′ Plug Door KCS Signature
- Gunderson Box Car 6538 Double Door
- Gunderson Box Car 6646 Double Door IBT Signature
- Gunderson Box Car 7526 Double 8′ Plug Door
- Gunderson Box Car 7571 Double 8′ Plug Door
- Gunderson Box Car 7577 Double 8′ Plug Door
- Gunderson C. Box Car 6301 12′ Plug Door
- Gunderson C. Box Car 6663 Double Door
- Gunderson C. Box Car 7285 Double 8′ Plug Door
- Gunderson C. Box Car 7550 Double 8′ Plug Door
- Gunderson C. Box Car 7580 12′ Plug Door
- NSC Box Car 3712 6′ Youngstown Door CN Signature
- NSC Box Car 3900 8′ Youngstown Door CP Signature
- NSC Box Car 4208 Plug Door Double Sheathed
- NSC Box Car 5092 12′ Plug Door
- NSC Box Car 5092 9′ Double Sheathed, V-Plug Door
- NSC Box Car 5092 9′ Plug Door
- NSC Box Car 5092 9′ Plug Door Double Sheathed
- NSC Box Car 5092 Combination Door, Double Sheathed
- NSC Box Car 5092 Double Sheathed Plate C BC Rail Signature
- NSC Box Car 5111 10′ Plug Door Plate C
- NSC Box Car 5140 9′ Plug Door Double Sheathed
- NSC Box Car 5150 6′ and 10′ Double YSD Door GTW
- NSC Box Car 5182 10′ Plug Door GTW Signature
- NSC Box Car 5204 9′ Plug Door
- NSC Box Car 5272 10′ Plug Door
- NSC Box Car 5277 10′ Plug Door
- NSC Box Car 5300 Double Sheathed Plate C
- NSC Box Car 5300 8′ Plug, 10′ Combination Door Plate C
- NSC Box Car 5380 Double 9′ Plug Door
- NSC Box Car 5438 Double Door
- NSC Box Car 5514 Double Sheathed YSD V-Latch Door
- NSC Box Car 6219 Plate F
- NSC Box Car 6264 10′ Chief Transportation Products Plug Door Plate F TTX
- NSC Box Car 6475 6′ and 10′ YSD Sliders Plate F
- NSC Box Car 7538 Plate F TTX Signature
- NSC Box Car 7550 Double 8′ Door Plate F
- NSC Box Car 7565 12 Stanrail Plug Door NS Signature
- NSC Box Car 7599 Double 8′ 7-Panel Door
- NSC Box Car 7630 Double 8′ Door
- NSC Box Car 7770 10′-6″ Plug Door CP Signature
- 071. PC&F Box Car 3968
175. PC&F Box Car 4124
130. PC&F Box Car 4762 10-6 Plug Door
276. PC&F Box Car 4949
024. PC&F Box Car 4974
122. PC&F Box Car 5077 Plate B
239. PC&F Box Car 5077 with improved Dreadnaught Ends
058. PC&F Box Car 5077 with Non-Terminating Corrugated Ends
174. PC&F Box Car 5102 Combination Door with 8 Corrugated Youngstown Door and 6 Youngstown Slide Plate B GN Signature
082. PC&F Box Car 5148 Double Door (with terminating dreadnaught ends)
156. PC&F Box Car 5148 Double Door (with non-terminating box corrugated ends) WP Signature
273. PC&F Box Car 5188 (Raised Roof)
046. PC&F Box Car 5195 12 Plug Door Partial Waffle
268. PC&F Box Car 5215 6 and 8 YSD V-Latch Double Plug Door
043. PC&F Box Car 5241 Boston & Maine Signature
139. PC&F Box Car 5242 10 Plug Door Plate C
142. PC&F Box Car 5243 Double Door
205. PC&F Box Car 5258 (Reduced Door)
068. PC&F Box Car 5258 10 Plug Door (converted from 16 double slider)
027. PC&F Box Car 5258 10 YSD Replacement Door Conversion
225. PC&F Box Car 5258 12 Plug Door
121. PC&F Box Car 5258 Double Door
105. PC&F Box Car 5266 Plug Door
155. PC&F Box Car 5266
067. PC&F Box Car 5268 YSD V-Latch Double Plug
221. PC&F Box Car 5277 Combination Door
126. PC&F Box Car 5277 Railbox
236. PC&F Box Car 5277 10 Plug Door Plate C
108. PC&F Box Car 5307 Double 8 Plug Door Plate C
019. PC&F Box Car 5317
146. PC&F Box Car 5326 Double Door (Increased Height)
011. PC&F Box Car 5335
161. PC&F Box Car 5461 Double Door Plate C
023. PC&F Box Car 5472 Double Door
102. PC&F Box Car 5486 10 Plug Door (variation #1) Plate C
098. PC&F Box Car 5486 10 Plug Door (variation #2) Plate C
192. PC&F Box Car 5486 Double Door
280. PC&F Box Car 5504 Double Door
196. PC&F Box Car 5528 with Bow-Tie or bifurcated Dreadnaught Terminated Ends
004. PC&F Box Car 5528 Plate C Double 8 Plug Door
013. PC&F Box Car 5824 Double Plug Door Plate C
245. PC&F Box Car 6157 Double 8 Plug Door Plate F
272. PC&F Box Car 6179 Double Plug Door Plate F
060. PC&F Box Car 6187 Double Plug Door Plate F Union Pacific Signature
283. PC&F Box Car 6308 Double Door (Extended Height)
262. PC&F Box Car 6308 Double Plug Door Plate C
026. PC&F Box Car 6359 Double Plug Door Plate F Union Pacific Signature
107. PC&F Box Car 6486 Double Door Plate E
202. PC&F Box Car 6505 Double 8 Plug Door Heavy Duty Bifurcated Terminating Dreadnaught Ends Plate F
134. PC&F Box Car 7125 Double Door (6 and 10 Youngstown Slider)
125. PC&F Box Car 7284
097. PC&F Box Car 7295 Double Door (6 and 10 Youngstown Slider) Double Sheathed
223. PC&F Box Car 7348 Elongated Waffle
222. PC&F Box Car 7413
258. PC&F Box Car 7422 Double Door with Bifurcated Terminating Dreadnaught Ends Double Sheathed
086. PC&F Box Car 7477 8 Double Door
163. PC&F Box Car 7633
266. PC&F Box Car 10354 Double Plug Door Plate F+
171. PC&F Box Car 10414 Quad Plug Door Plate F+ SP Signature - 109. P-S Box Car 5277 Golden Tye-Pullman Kit
214. P-S Box Car 5077 Plate B - 133. Trenton-Works Box Car 5237
128. Trenton-Works Box Car 5277 6 plug 10-4 6-Panel Combination Door
246. Trenton-Works Box Car 5503 Double Sliding Door
077. Trenton-Works Box Car 6237 12 Plug Door
051. Trenton-Works Box Car 6269 12 Plug Door
158. Trenton-Works Box Car 6269 10 Plug Door CNW Signature
084. Trenton-Works Box Car 6538 Double Door
247. Trenton-Works Box Car 6637 “6 Plug, 10-4 7-Panel Combination Door “
261. Trenton-Works Box Car 6648 Double Door
164. Trenton-Works Box Car 6652 “6 Plug, 7-Panel 10-4 Slider Combination Door “
271. Trenton-Works Box Car 7286 Double 8 Plug Door
172. Trenton-Works Box Car 7352 Double 8 Plug Door
217. Trenton-Works Box Car 7541 10 Plug Door
117. Trenton-Works Box Car 7541 12 Single Door
152. Trenton-Works Box Car 7541 Double 8 Door
- ACF Covered Hopper 1790
170. ACF Covered Hopper 1892
219. ACF Covered Hopper 1958
066. ACF Covered Hopper 1970
234. ACF Covered Hopper 2006
131. ACF Covered Hopper 2040
275. ACF Covered Hopper 2500
029. ACF Covered Hopper 2700
285. ACF Covered Hopper 2765
021. ACF Covered Hopper 2828
127. ACF Covered Hopper 2927
140. ACF Covered Hopper 2927
224. ACF Covered Hopper 2970
249. ACF Covered Hopper 2980
145. ACF Hopper 2100
093. ACF Hopper 2556
129. ACF Hopper 2583
079. ACF Hopper 2608
081. ACF Hopper 2700
016. ACF Hopper 2750
176. ACF Hopper 2755
168. ACF Hopper 3640 “Coalveyer”
106. ACF Hopper 306 Hart Selective Ballast Car
179. ACF Hopper 33 2-Bay
038. ACF Hopper 348
187. ACF Hopper 408 3-Bay
211. ACF Hopper 41 Hart Selective Ballast Car
052. ACF Hopper 42 Hart Selective Ballast Car
137. ACF Hopper 45 3-Bay
095. Albina-Built Hopper 3737 UP
263. Bethlehem Hopper 975
028. Bethlehem Hopper 2080
059. Bethlehem Hopper 2603
250. Bethlehem Hopper 2622
123. Bethlehem Hopper 2700
226. Bethlehem Hopper 2868
233. Bethlehem Hopper 3483
199. Bethlehem Hopper 3565
147. Bethlehem Hopper 3712
053. Bethlehem Hopper 3737
230. Bethlehem Hopper 4000 Re-Built
154. C&O Hopper 2866
278. Darby Hopper 2200 2-Bay
186. Dispatch Shop Hopper 2210
055. FMC Hopper 4200
197. GATC Hopper 2700
120. Greenville Hopper 1265
118. Greenville Hopper 1700
284. Greenville Hopper 2460
015. Greenville Hopper 3420
241. Greenville Hopper 3650
005. Greenville Hopper 4000 3-Bay
003. GSC Flat Car 42-6
244. GSC Flat Car 53-6 with 43-3 Truck Centers
110. GSC Flat Car 60-0 with 48-8 Truck Centers
281. GSC Flat Car 60-0 with 49-9 Truck Centers
279. Midwest FC Hopper 2800 3-Bay
188. NSC Covered Hopper 2900 Aluminum 2-Bay Cylindrical
182. NSC Covered Hopper 3000 4-Bay Cylindrical
088. NSC Covered Hopper 2300 Cylindrical 1-Bay
166. Ortner Hopper 3800
144. Pennsylvania Hopper 2547 H37A
061. Portec Hopper 2300 2-Bay
288. Pressed Steel Hopper 2785
022. P-S Covered Hopper 2600 PS-2CD
104. P-S Covered Hopper 2931
032. P-S Hopper 678
153. P-S Hopper 1663 Ballast
195. P-S Hopper 2640
289. P-S Hopper 2678
116. P-S Hopper 2685
160. P-S Hopper 2700
198. P-S Hopper 2743 4-Bay
235. P-S Hopper 2750 3-Bay
089. P-S Hopper 2775
165. P-S Hopper 2810 3-Bay
012. P-S Hopper 3884
036. P-S Hopper 4000 3-Bay
001. Thrall Centerbeam FC 63-1
010. Thrall Hopper 4065 Avalanche
002. Trenton-Works Bulkhead Flat Car 67-11
017. Trinity Hopper 2300 2-Bay
103. Trinity Covered Hopper 2893
072. Trinity Covered Hopper 2980
- 1932 ARA Boxcars
- 1937 AAR Box Cars
- XIH 40ft Box Cars
- FMC 5077 50ft Box Cars
This is FMC’s entry into the Plate B IPD (Incentive Per Diem) box car era. The design was intended to be the “most universal”, interchangeable on most common railroad clearances. The cars were available with and without end-of-car cushioning and offered several door configurations. Over 4,300 cars were produced from 1975-1979 by FMC’s Portland, Oregon plant. The cars were delivered in numerous colourful shortline paint schemes and the nationwide carpool fleet of Railbox. Many secondhand cars were later seen in Class 1 railroads and large leasing company fleets under additional shortline reporting marks.
- FMC 5327
- 50′ 5347 Boxcar (Athearn) Trovestar
It was the mid-1970s, and the incentive per diem box car boom was beginning. New, brightly painted box cars seemed to appear overnight. Many were lettered for various short lines. FMC (Food Machinery Corporation) built many of these cars. The 50’ outside post, non-terminating end box car, became the foundation for new per diem cars built in the 1970s. The 50’ FMC cars also varied in door configuration and style to suit each customer.
MEC 31900-32149
These 50′-6″, 75 ton, box cars were built by FMC (Lot 18175) in 5-6/1980. They featured 10″ EOC Freightmaster cushioning, lading band anchors, 10′ sliding doors and 5347 ft3 capacity.
http://www.railgoat.railfan.net/other_cars/mec_cars/mec_number/031900-032149.htm
- FMC 50 Foot 5272
MEC 31250-31749
These 50′-6″, 75 ton, box cars were built by FMC (Lot 17660) in 10-12/1976. They featured 10′ Youngstown doors, Keystone 20″ travel cushion underframes and 5272 ft3 capacity.
MEC 31750-31899
These 50′-6″, 75 ton, box cars were built by FMC (Lot 17977) in 11/1978. They featured a 5272 ft3 capacity.
No n scale supplier. - BF&F (Berwick Foundry & Forge) 50 Foot 5277 (Athearn)
MEC 35000-35199
These 50′-6″, 75 ton, box cars were built by BF&F (Lot 46800) in 6-7/1981. They featured 10′ Superior sliding doors and a 5277 ft capacity. - PC&F 50-ft 70-ton Insulated Box Car (Wheels of Time)
wheelsotime.com/50-ft-insulated-box-car/ - PC&F 5317
- PC&F 50-ft Exterior Post, Insulated Boxcars (Wheels of Time)
wheelsotime.com/pcf-exterior-post-insulated-b/ - FMC 50 Foot 5283 Boxcar (Fox Valley)
MEC 31000-31249
These 50′-7″, 75 ton, box cars were built by FMC (Lot 176117) in 9/1974. They featured 10′ Youngstown sliding doors, Keystone cushioned underframes and 5283 ft3 capacity. - 56′ Thrall All-Door Boxcar
- 53′ Evans
This 53′ boxcar was manufactured in the 1960s and ’70s by Evans Company and was used primarily to haul produce, wood and paper products, and canned goods. This railcar is an insulated RBL (Railcar, Passenger Service, Insulated) featuring a 16-foot opening and double plug doors.
https://archive.atlasrr.com/NFreight/arc-n53evans.htm - NSC 50′ Plug Door Box Car
Steel boxcars became the de facto standard for railcar service sometime in the late 1950s. Every major railcar manufacturer had their own version. Plug-door cars held a better seal for air coming in and out of the car interior and operated much the same way a modern minivan side door works. A common feature for plug-door cars such as the offering from NSC was an insulated interior to further protect the contents from the elements. From 1975 to 1980 National Steel Car built over one-thousand 50’6” single-plug door box cars. This being the post-roof walk era, these cars have a simple aluminium roof. Model 5277 had an interior capacity of 5,277 c.f. and model 5177 had a capacity of 5,177 c.f. Most of the 100-ton cars went to Canadian railroads primarily for paper service. Two hundred 70-ton cars went into food service for the Grand Trunk Western. - 60 Foot Auto Parts Box Car (Atlas) ★
- 62 Foot Insulated Box Car Bx-177 (Atlas) ★