Delaware & Hudson Freight Cars

Boxcars

Delaware & Hudson insulated food-service box car no. 17630 stands at Watervliet, New York, on 28 March 1979. Originally built for the Erie Lackawanna as part of the 57000-57065 series, the car was rebuilt in August 1972 for food products service and renumbered into the D&H 17601-17666 series. Classified XF, the car was equipped for protected food loading rather than general freight service. The large “Bridge Line to New England and Canada” herald reflected the Delaware & Hudson’s role as a bridge route linking the northeastern United States with Canadian connections. Note the roller bearing conversion and the prominent “Food Products Only” lettering. © Steven Vincent

Delaware & Hudson PS-1 box car no. 19014 stands at Watervliet, New York, on 28 March 1979. Built by Pullman-Standard in early 1951 as part of lot 5998, the car belonged to the D&H 18900-19399 series of 40-foot general service box cars. By the late 1970s, the once-bright maroon paint had become heavily faded and worn. However, the classic “Bridge Line to New England and Canada” herald and large Delaware & Hudson lettering still gave the car a distinctive appearance. © Steven Vincent

Delaware & Hudson PS-1 box car no. 19123 stands at Colonie Shops, New York, on 3 May 1975, wearing a fresh coat of the railroad’s striking maroon paint scheme. Built by Pullman-Standard in March 1951 as part of lot 5998, the car belonged to the D&H 18900-19399 series of 40-foot general service box cars. The crisp lettering and bright “Bridge Line to New England and Canada” herald contrast sharply with the weathered appearance many of these cars carried later in the decade. © Matt Herson

Delaware & Hudson box car no. 20130 stands at Colonie, New York, on 3 February 1975, showing the heavily weathered appearance common on many northeastern freight cars by the 1970s. Built by Pullman-Standard in August 1956 as part of lot 8294, the car belonged to the D&H 20000-20249 series of 40-foot general service box cars. The once-prominent “Bridge Line to New England and Canada” emblem has faded almost into the boxcar red paint, giving the car a tired but characterful appearance typical of hard-worked interchange service equipment of the era. © Jim Gavin

Delaware & Hudson box car no. 20242 stands at Roseville, California, on 6 June 1976, a long way from its northeastern home rails. Built by Pullman-Standard in August 1956 as part of lot 8294, the car belonged to the D&H 20000-20249 series of 40-foot general service box cars. The car still carries its bold “Bridge Line to New England and Canada” herald and relatively clean boxcar red paint, showing how extensively eastern freight cars could roam the North American interchange network during the 1970s. © Steve Vincent

Delaware & Hudson box car no. 20246 rolls through Dike, California, on 27 June 1977, still wearing the faded remains of its “Bridge Line to New England and Canada” emblem. Built by Pullman-Standard in August 1956 as part of lot 8294, the car belonged to the D&H 20000-20249 series of 40-foot general service box cars. The heavily worn boxcar red paint, rust streaking and sun-faded lettering capture the hard-working appearance typical of many roaming interchange cars during the 1970s. © Steve Vincent

Delaware & Hudson No. 27073, a 50ft cushioned boxcar from the 27001–27075 series built by Pullman-Standard in April 1964, remains in a weathered Guilford white scheme with “Delaware & Hudson” lettering. The finish continues to show the effects of a poor-quality repaint during Guilford’s control of the D&H. Photographed at Taylor, Pennsylvania, on 21 January 1989. © Mike Rose

Delaware & Hudson No. 27073, a 50ft cushioned boxcar from the 27001–27075 series built by Pullman-Standard in April 1964, appears in a rare Guilford white scheme with “Delaware & Hudson” lettering. The weathered finish suggests a poor-quality repaint during Guilford’s control of the D&H. © Richard Louderback

Delaware & Hudson No. 28021, a 50ft insulated boxcar built in June 1964, is shown in a weathered yellow scheme with “CUSHIONED CAR” markings and the D&H “Bridge Line” emblem. The car’s return routing reflects its assignment in cross-border service. © Doug Stark

Delaware & Hudson No. 28327, an insulated boxcar built by Reading, appears in plain green with simplified D&H reporting marks following transfer to the D&H at the start of Conrail. Ex-RDG 17200–17249 series. Photographed at Tolono, Illinois, in July 1979. © Mike Rose

Delaware & Hudson No. 28402, a Reading-built insulated boxcar, stands in a “READING” billboard scheme, its large lettering still prominent. One of a group transferred to the Delaware & Hudson at the start of Conrail, the car reflects the patchwork nature of late 1970s freight fleets. © Guy Wicksall

Delaware & Hudson No. 28411, an insulated boxcar built by Reading, appears in plain green with the former “READING” billboard patched out and simplified lettering following transfer to the D&H. Though less eye-catching than its sister, the car retains the same distinctive construction features typical of this class. © Guy Wicksall

Gondolas

Delaware & Hudson No. 14011, a 50ft high-side gondola from the 14001–14050 series, stands freshly repainted in bright red with full “DELAWARE & HUDSON” lettering. Ex-Norfolk & Western, the car reflects the D&H’s effort to establish a bold visual identity in the early 1970s. Photographed at Schenectady, New York, on 23 November 1974. © Mike Rose

Hoppers

Covered Hoppers

Delaware & Hudson PS-built three-bay covered hopper no. 12328 rolls through Buck Creek, Indiana, on the former Wabash main line in August 1983, by then part of the Norfolk & Western system. Built by Pullman-Standard in March 1974 as part of lot 9737, the 12301-12360 series was typical of the large covered hopper fleets used in grain and bulk commodity service across the eastern United States. The weathered maroon paint and large “Delaware & Hudson” lettering made these cars stand out far from home rails. © Homer Jansson

Numbers	Type	Notes
D&H 51	10,000 gal; molasses loading	xxxx; x/19xx
D&H 52-54	8,000 gal	xxxx; x/19xx
D&H 55	31,800 gal	xxxx; x/19xx
D&H 56	6,000 gal	xxxx; x/19xx
D&H 101-240	2-Bay Open Hopper	Bethlehem Steel Corp. (Lot 3400-493); 6-7/1965
D&H 241-365	2-Bay Open Hopper	Bethlehem Steel Corp.; 3-4/1966
D&H 1001-1200	3-Bay Open Hopper	Bethlehem Steel Corp.; 1968
D&H 1300-1399	3-Bay Open Hopper	ex XTRX 75283-75382
D&H 2900-2924	2-Bay Covered Hopper	PS (Lot 8161); 11/1953
D&H 2925-2999	2-Bay Covered Hopper	PS (Lot 8139); 10-11/1953
D&H 3000-3099	2-Bay Covered Hopper	Greenville Steel Car Co. (Order 521); 3-4/1949
D&H 3100-3149	2-Bay Covered Hopper	Greenville Steel Car Co. (Order 479); 8/1947
D&H 3150-3199	2-Bay Covered Hopper	AC&F (Lot 2325); 5/1942
D&H 3201-3220	2-Bay Covered Hopper	ex GACX 40006=40105
D&H 14601-14606	50′ Gondola	ex RDG 33000-33499 in 1976
D&H 3301-3325	3-Bay Covered Hopper	ex EL 20025-20049
D&H 3401-3450	3-Bay Covered Hopper	ex EL 21400-21454
D&H 3500-3549	3-Bay Covered Hopper	ex EL 45800-45849
D&H 3600-3649	2-Bay Covered Hopper	ex RDG 79850-79899
D&H 6101-7100	2-Bay Open Hopper	Bethlehem Steel Corp. (Order DF-160); 10/1951-1/1952
D&H 7101-7600	2-Bay Open Hopper	Bethlehem Steel Corp. (Order DF-175); 11-12/1952
D&H 9000-9199	3-Bay Open Hopper	Bethlehem Steel Corp. (Order DF-274); 4/1958
D&H 12000-12099	2-Bay Covered Hopper	PS (Lot 8217); 3/1955; PS-2
D&H 12100-12109	2-Bay Covered Hopper; PS-2	PS (Lot 8331K); 11/1956
D&H 12101-12200	2-Bay Covered Hopper	PS (Lot 9277); 11-12/1967
D&H 12110-12174	2-Bay Covered Hopper	Greenville Steel Car Co. (Order 694); 4/1957
D&H 12301-12360	3-Bay Covered Hopper	PS (Lot 9737); 3/1974
D&H 12501	Airslide Hopper	GATC; 3/1966
D&H 12502	Airslide Hopper	ex GACX 40999
D&H 12503	Pressure-Slide Hopper	ex GACX 30000
D&H 12601-12605	2-Bay Covered Hopper	AC&F; 6/1966
D&H 12700-12712	Pressure Differential Hoppers	NACC; xx/19xx
D&H 12801-12815	Airslide Hopper	ex EL 45580=45602; nee GACX
D&H 12901-12903	Airslide Hopper	ex LV 42803-42805; nee GACX
D&H 12904-12910	Airslide Hopper	ex LV 42997-43004; nee GACX
D&H 12925-12934	Airslide Hopper	ex LV 55000-55009; nee GACX 42908=43110
D&H 12940-12947	Airslide Hopper	ex LV 55010-55019
D&H 12950	Airslide Hopper	ex LV 55020
D&H 13300-13624	40′ Gondola	Bethlehem Steel Corp. (Order DF-102); 7-8/1947
D&H 13625-13699	40′ Gondola; drop ends	Bethlehem Steel Corp. (Order DF-103); 8/1947
D&H 13700-13899	50′ Gondola	PS (Lot 5992); 9/1951
D&H 14001-14050	50′ Gondola	ex N&W ****-****
D&H 14700-14799	65′ Gondola	ex EL 17900-17999
D&H 15000-15249	50′ Gondola	Bethlehem Steel Corp. (Lot 3400-506); 3-5/1980
D&H 15900-15914	50′ Gondola; containers	AC&F; x/1942
D&H 15950-15969	50′ Gondola; tank containers	AC&F; x/1942
D&H 16153	HD Flat; 4-truck; 250 ton	D&H Oneonta Shops/GSC underframes; 2/1951
D&H 17001-17500	40′ Box Car	ex D&H 51000-51499. Bettendorf in 10/1919. They featured single sheath construction, 6′ doors and 3098 ft3 capacity. A group of 30 cars were converted to cement service around 1934 but retained their original numbers. [Atlas 41965/41966]
D&H 17601-17666	40′ Box Car	ex EL 57000-57065. Rebuilt from EL 57000-57065 in 8/1972 for food service (XF.) They featured a 3891 ft3 capacity.
D&H 17626-17635	40′ Box Car	D&H-Oneonta; 5/1937
D&H 17636-17710	40′ Box Car	D&H-Green Island; 7/1937
D&H 17711-17720	40′ Box Car	D&H-Green Island; 11/1937
D&H 17721-17725	40′ Box Car	D&H-Green Island; 12/1937
D&H 17775-17799	40′ Box Car	AC&F (Lot 2962); 9/1946
D&H 17800-17899	40′ Box Car	D&H-Oneonta; 1947-48
D&H 17900-18049	40′ Box Car	D&H-Oneonta; 1948-49. Built from kits. 10′ interior height.
D&H 18100-18249	40′ Box Car	D&H-Oneonta; 7/1949. Built from kits. Models: Deluxe Innovations 141001/142702/142701/141003
D&H 18250-18399	40′ Box Car	D&H-Oneonta; 10/1949
D&H 18400-18899	40′ Box Car; PS-1	PS (Lot 5973); 10-11/1950.
D&H 18900-19399	40′ Box Car; PS-1	PS (Lot 5998); 2-3/1951
D&H 19400-19899	40′ Box Car; PS-1	PS (Lot 8049); 10-11/1952
D&H 20000-20249	40′ Box Car; PS-1	PS (Lot 8294); 6, 8/1956. These 40′-6″, 50-ton, box cars were built by PS (lot 8294) in 6, 8/1956 as PS-1’s. They featured 8′ Youngstown sliding doors and 3882 ft3 capacity.
D&H 22000-22249	50′ Box Car; PS-1	PS (Lot 8295); 7-8/1956. [Atlas 50 001 594/50 002 356/50 002 357/50 001 595/38915A/38916A]
D&H 23000/1-23099/100		100 Cars Rebuilt and stretched by Berwick Forge and Foundry between 1973 and 1974 from the 18000 and 19000 series. Some featured smooth sides.
D&H 23559/23568 etc.		ex 18000
D&H 24001-24150	50′ Box Car	Ps (Lot 9702); 1-2/1974. These 50′-7″, 75-ton, box cars were built by PS (Lot 9702) in 1-2/1974. They featured 10′ Superior sliding doors, 15″ M-E cushioned underframes, 4-waffle sides and 5061 ft3 capacity. to BAR 24011=24147 (31). [Athearn 1894/1895/1896*]
D&H 24201-24297	50′ Box Car	ex EL 68600-68699. A combination of plug and sliding doors, built by GATX in 1964.
D&H 24301-24330	50′ Box Car	ex EL 69150-69179.
D&H 24401-24696	50′ Box Car	ex RDG 18600-18899
D&H 25000-25009	50′ Box Car	xxxx; xx/19xx
D&H 25000-25017	50′ Box Car	xxxx; xx/19xx
D&H 25018-25019	50′ Box Car	xxxx; xx/19xx
D&H 25020	50′ Box Car	xxxx; xx/19xx
D&H 25021	50′ Box Car	xxxx; xx/19xx
D&H 25022	50′ Box Car	PS (Lot 8657); 12/1961
D&H 25025-25036	50′ Box Car	Berwick rebuild as conventional double door cars.
D&H 25051-25083	50′ Box Car	Ex PRR, rebuilt at Oneonta.
D&H 26001-26040	50′ Box Car	PS (Lot 8908A); 4/1964
D&H 26041-26060	50′ Box Car	PS (Lot 9014A); 4/1965
D&H 26061-26080	50′ Box Car	PS (Lot 9159A); 12/1966
D&H 26081-26130	50′ Box Car	PS (Lot 9417A); 9/1969. 27073 was the only D&H boxcar painted Guilford white and grey.
D&H 27001-27075	50′ Box Car	PS (Lot 8908); 4/1964
D&H 27076-27110	50′ Box Car	PS (Lot 8908A); 3/1964
D&H 27200-27347	50′ Box Car	PS (Lot 1044D); 6/1981
D&H 28001-28005	50′ Box Car	NACC; 1964. These 50′-1″, 70 ton, insulated box cars were built by NACC in 1964. They featured 4450 ft3 capacity. [Atlas 50 005 142/50 005 143]
D&H 28006-28031	50′ Box Car	xxxx; xx/19xx. NACC? [Athearn 10690/10665/10664*]
D&H 28070-28071		ex Southern Railway for lumber traffic on from Glen alls, NY.
D&H 28101-28153		ex EL 68300-68353 GTAC 1964-65
D&H 28200-28248	50′ Box Car	ex EL 69200-69249; GATC; March 1968
D&H 28300-28336		ex RDG 17200-17249
D&H 28400-28448		ex RDG 17250-299 1967.
D&H 28450		ex RG 17284
D&H 29001-29130	50′ Box Car	PS (Lot 9014); 3/1965
D&H 29131-29330	50′ Box Car	PS (Lot 9071); 3/1966
D&H 29331-29510	50′ Box Car	PS (Lot 9159); 12/1966
D&H 29511-29660	50′ Box Car	PS (Lot 9417); 9/1969
D&H 51000-51499	40′ Box Car	Bettendorf; 10/1919

Boxcars
Gondolas
Hoppers
Covered Hoppers
Flat Cars
Bulkhead & Pulpwood Cars
Woodchip Cars
Insulated Woodpulp Cars
Tank Cars
Refrigerated Cars
Miscellaneous Cars

DHNY I ♥ NY Boxcars

One of the most distinctive boxcar fleets of the early 1980s was the Delaware & Hudson’s “I Love New York” series. With their bold blue and white scheme and large red heart emblem, they stood out immediately in any train.

More than just eye-catching, these cars were the product of a difficult period in the D&H’s history. In 1981, with the railway short of serviceable boxcars and facing financial pressure, the New York State Department of Transportation funded the rebuilding of a batch of older Pullman-Standard cars at the D&H’s Oneonta shops. The state retained ownership, leasing the cars back to the railway to support local shippers while keeping the works active.

Originally built by Pullman-Standard in 1965–1966 as part of the D&H’s 29000 series, the cars were rebuilt and renumbered into the 50000 series. Although the programme was intended to cover 200 vehicles (50000–50199), only 165 were completed before it was terminated.

The fleet appeared in several variations, with differences in logos and markings reflecting the programme’s somewhat uneven execution. By the end of the decade the cars were ageing and increasingly surplus, and many were sold or scrapped during the D&H’s bankruptcy. Even so, for a time they were a common sight across the north-east and remain one of the most recognisable boxcar fleets of the period.

Heavily weathered DHNY boxcar No. 50014 is seen at City of Industry, California, in November 1990. Originally built by Pullman-Standard in March 1965 (Lot 9014) for the Delaware & Hudson, the car was later rebuilt under a New York State–funded programme and leased back for service. Fitted with a cushioned underframe for paper traffic, it carries the distinctive but now faded and rust-streaked “I ♥ NY” scheme, with traces of NYDOT involvement visible on the body. © Chris Butts

Delaware & Hudson–leased DHNY boxcar No. 50015 stands at Akron, Ohio, on 25 June 1984. Built in December 1966 and rebuilt in 1982 at Oneonta under New York State ownership, the car carries a striking blue-and-white scheme with large “I ♥ NY” branding, reflecting its state-backed lease arrangement. © R.A. Durfee

DHNY boxcar No. 50029 stands at Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1990. Originally built by Pullman-Standard in March 1965 (Lot 9014) as part of the Delaware & Hudson 29001–29130 series, the car was later rebuilt under a New York State–funded programme and leased back for service. It carries the bold blue-and-white “I ♥ NY” scheme and is fitted with cushioned underframe equipment for handling paper traffic. © Warren Calloway

DHNY boxcar No. 50083 is seen in a freight consist near Roanoke, Virginia, in January 1984. One of the Pullman-Standard-built cars later rebuilt under a New York State–funded programme and leased back to the Delaware & Hudson, it carries the bold “I ♥ NY” scheme and cushioned underframe equipment for paper traffic. © Jeff Meyer

DHNY boxcar No. 50159, a Pullman-Standard-built car from December 1966, photographed on 28 May 1983. Rebuilt in 1982 under a New York State Department of Transportation programme and leased back to the Delaware & Hudson, it carries the distinctive blue-and-white scheme with “I ♥ NY” branding and cushioned underframe equipment for paper service. © P. MacCauley


DHNY 50000-50049	50′ Box Car	ex D&H 29001-29130. A 50′-6″ IL 4932 cuft boxcar from DHNY series 50000-50050; from DH series 29001-29130 built by Pullman-Standard, Lot 9014, Mar-65. Car rebuilt/reconditioned.
DHNY 50050-50164	50′ Box Car	ex D&H 29xxx-29xxx?. These 50′-6″, 70 ton, box cars were renumbered and repainted from various D&H 50′ box cars into a special I LOVE NY scheme. It is not certain exactly which number groups were selected, but they are thought to be mostly from the 1966-built PS cars. They featured 4932 ft3 capacity.

Boxcars

Gondolas

Hoppers

Covered Hoppers

DHNY I ♥ NY Boxcars

Modelling