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 40-foot boxcar 5039 stands at Waterville, Maine, in July 1976 with its 7-foot Superior door standing open. Built in January 1947, it was one of 200 veteran boxcars transferred from the 6500-series into the 5000-series in 1969 as part of a sale-and-leaseback arrangement. By the mid-1970s, these dependable cars remained a familiar sight handling general merchandise traffic across the Maine Central system, despite newer high-cube boxcars increasingly taking over paper service. © Rich Gibson
Maine Central 40-foot boxcar no. 5099 stands at Rigby Yard, South Portland, Maine, in July 1976. Originally built in January 1947, it was one of 200 veteran boxcars transferred from the 6500-series into the 5000-series in 1969 as part of a sale-and-leaseback arrangement. Equipped with 7-foot Superior doors, the class continued to handle general merchandise traffic well into the 1970s, their weathered green finish and yellow Pine Tree Route herald reflecting decades of hard service. Beside it is a Boston & Maine boxcar, a reminder of the close interchange between the two New England railroads several years before they came under common ownership. © Rich Gibson
Maine Central boxcar MEC 5134 stands in fresh green-and-gold paint in this March 1971 photograph, taken at an unknown location. Built in January 1947, the car was one of a group of 40ft boxcars later renumbered into the 5000-series following a 1969 programme in which former MEC 6500-6749 series cars were sold and leased back. The car retains its distinctive yellow 7ft Superior door and large “MEC” lettering, representative of one of the Maine Central’s most attractive freight car paint schemes of the period. © D.S. Hutchinson Collection
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 40ft boxcar no. 5194 stands at Poughkeepsie, New York, on 18 November 1978. Built in January 1947, the car measures 40ft 4in inside length with a 10ft 5in inside height and is fitted with 7ft Superior doors. It is seen here in Maine Central’s green livery with Harvest Gold door and lettering. The car was rebuilt in 1969 from the MEC 6500–6749 series as part of a programme in which 200 cars were converted, sold, and leased back, helping to extend the working life of this post-war fleet well into the 1970s. © Bill Rogerson
Maine Central boxcar No. 6408 stands at Burnham Junction, Maine, 2 September 1983. Built by Pullman-Standard in May 1951 and rebuilt in 1973, this 40ft 6in PS-1 boxcar carries the later harvest gold “pine tree” scheme, its faded and weathered finish typical of MEC freight cars in the early 1980s. © Steven Vincent
Maine Central PS-1 boxcar MEC 8093 stands at South Portland, Maine, on 15 January 1985, still wearing its weathered harvest gold Pine Tree Route livery more than three decades after construction. Built by Pullman-Standard in May 1951 as one of the railroad’s 8000-8249 series, the 40-foot 6-inch boxcars featured 7-foot Youngstown doors and represented one of Maine Central’s earliest fleets of modern all-steel PS-1 boxcars. The faded paint, patched lettering and years of accumulated grime reflect the hard-working life of a freight car that had remained in service well into the Guilford era. © Chuck Zeiler
Maine Central Pullman-Standard PS-1 boxcar 8099 stands at Rigby Yard, South Portland, Maine, in August 1978. Built in May 1951 as part of the railroad’s 8000–8249 series, these 40-foot boxcars featured 7-foot Youngstown doors and formed the backbone of Maine Central’s general merchandise fleet for many years. By the late 1970s, although increasingly overshadowed by newer high-cube equipment in paper service, the dependable PS-1s continued to handle a wide variety of freight. The foreground is scattered with railway equipment, adding to the everyday working atmosphere of Rigby Yard. © Rich Gibson
Maine Central PS-1 boxcar MEC 8429 stands at South Portland, Maine, on 15 January 1985, still wearing its faded Pine Green livery more than three decades after construction. Built by Pullman-Standard in May 1951 as one of the railroad’s 8250-8499 series, the 40-foot 6-inch boxcars featured 7-foot Youngstown doors and represented an early generation of modern all-steel freight cars on the Maine Central. The weathered paint, rust-streaked door and “Assigned Car” stencil reflect a lifetime of dedicated service as the venerable boxcar continued working into the Guilford era. © Chuck Zeiler
Maine Central 50-foot boxcar 9130 stands at Rigby Yard, South Portland, Maine, in August 1978. One of 250 cars built by American Car & Foundry in March 1956, the class featured an inside length of 50 ft 6 in, 9-foot Youngstown sliding doors and distinctive 8+8 riveted side panels. Classified as plain XM boxcars, they lacked both cushioned underframes and interior loading devices, making them suitable for a wide variety of general freight. More than two decades after construction, no. 9130 remained a familiar sight in everyday service across the Maine Central system. © Rich Gibson
Maine Central 50-foot boxcar No. 9643 stands at Newport, Vermont, in November 1976. Built by Magor in January 1964, it was one of the first Maine Central boxcars delivered with a yellow body and green doors. By the time of this photograph, the car shows numerous patched paint repairs, reflecting years of hard service while retaining much of its distinctive original colour scheme. © Peter Eaton
Maine Central rebuilt 50-foot boxcar no. 9821 stands at Bangor, Maine, in July 1976. The car was one of 100 rebuilt between August 1974 and November 1975 from the railroad’s 40-foot Pullman-Standard PS-1 boxcars in the 8000–8249 series. During rebuilding, the cars were stretched to an inside length of 50 ft 6 in while retaining a 10 ft 5 in inside height, giving the veteran fleet a new lease of life for modern freight service. Finished in Maine Central’s attractive Pine Tree herald scheme, these rebuilt cars became a familiar sight across New England during the late 1970s and early 1980s. © Rich Gibson
Eleven years later, the same rebuilt boxcar, MEC 9821, is photographed on the Illinois Central Gulf at Champaign, Illinois, in May 1987. By this time it had been repainted into Guilford’s white scheme, reflecting the changes that had swept through the former Maine Central following Guilford Transportation Industries’ takeover. Originally rebuilt from a 40-foot Pullman-Standard PS-1 into a 50 ft 6 in boxcar during 1974–75, no. 9821 was still earning its keep well over three decades after it was first built. © Gary Lee Todd
Maine Central boxcar MEC 9859 is seen at San Diego, California, on 15 December 1976. Originally built by Pullman-Standard in 1951 as a 40 ft 6 in boxcar in the MEC 8000–8249 series, the car was rebuilt and lengthened during Maine Central’s 1974–75 rebuilding programme, emerging as part of the 9800–9899 series. Rebuilt in May 1975, it carried the railroad’s attractive dark green Pine Tree Route livery with large yellow “MEC” lettering and a modernised 50ft 6in body designed to provide increased cubic capacity for general merchandise traffic. © Steven Vincent
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 boxcar MEC 10389 is photographed at Oceanside, California, on 30 September 1977. Built by American Car & Foundry in early 1967, the car was part of the MEC 10200–10399 series of 50ft boxcars designed for general merchandise service. The car carries Maine Central’s distinctive “Modern Efficient Cushioning” slogan, promoting its cushioned underframe equipment intended to reduce damage to lading in transit. By the late 1970s, cars such as this were regular participants in nationwide interchange traffic, taking Maine Central’s Pine Tree Route branding far from its New England home territory. © Steven Vincent
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 40-foot boxcar No. 14126 stands in a freight consist at an unknown location in December 1975. Built by Magor in January 1937 to the AAR 1937 design, the car was part of MEC’s 14000–14247 series and features the classic “Pine Tree Route” herald alongside the slogan “Prime Mover for Maine Industry.” Originally constructed with a 40 ft 5 in inside length, 6 ft door and 50-ton trucks, many cars from this long-lived class were later rebuilt into other car types, making examples in their original configuration increasingly uncommon by the mid-1970s. © David S. Hutchinson Collection
Maine Central 20110, a 50 ft 6 in boxcar built by FMC in September–October 1979 (Lot 17968), is seen at the builder’s plant in Portland, Oregon, on 1 October 1979. The adjacent car is still awaiting full lettering, capturing the scene as these new additions to the MEC fleet were being turned out. © Robert Hadlow
Maine Central FMC boxcar MEC 20202 is photographed on the Illinois Central Gulf at Champaign, Illinois, in February 1987, far from its New England home rails. Built by FMC in October 1980 as one of Maine Central’s 20150-20349 series, the 50-foot 6-inch boxcars featured a 10-foot 6-inch inside height and were finished in the railroad’s distinctive yellow The Pine Tree Route livery. Designed for modern high-capacity general merchandise service, these cars regularly ranged nationwide in interchange service, making sightings such as this on the former Illinois Central a reminder of Maine Central’s presence across the North American rail network. © Gary Lee Todd
Fresh from FMC’s plant, Maine Central 50-foot 6-inch high-cube boxcar MEC 20342 stands at Poughkeepsie, New York, during the winter of 1980. One of the 200-car series numbered 20150–20349, these modern yellow boxcars were built in October 1980 for paper and other high-volume freight traffic. At the time this photograph was taken, 20342 was virtually brand new. © 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 Railroad 50 ft 7 in boxcar MEC 30149 stands in a freight yard at Los Angeles, California, on 16 November 1976. Built by Berwick Forge & Fabricating in early 1973 as part of the MEC 30000–30249 series, the 5,308 cu ft boxcar carries the railroad’s distinctive Pine Tree Route emblem and slogan. With a load limit of 152,200 lb and Plate C dimensions, cars of this type were a common sight in nationwide interchange service, carrying Maine Central’s colours far beyond New England. © Steven Vincent
Maine Central 50-foot Pullman-Standard waffle-side boxcar 29063 stands at Cleveland, Ohio, in July 1976. Built in 1970 as part of the railroad’s 29000-series high-cube boxcars, it was designed for paper and other damage-sensitive loads, featuring a cushioned underframe and the bold “Modern – Efficient – Cushioned” slogan emblazoned across its sides. Just six years old when photographed, the car had already travelled well beyond New England, illustrating the nationwide reach of Maine Central’s paper traffic. © Rich Gibson
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 50-foot boxcar No. 29101 stands in a freight consist in 1982. Built by American Car & Foundry in August–September 1970 (Lot 11-06174), the car was part of the 29000–29229 series. Featuring a 50 ft 6 in inside length, 10 ft 11 in inside height, a 9 ft plug door and distinctive waffle sides, the class was delivered in yellow with green lettering and carried the slogan “Modern Efficient Merchandise Handling.” © 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 FMC-built 50-foot boxcar no. 31183 stands at Rigby Yard, South Portland, Maine, in July 1978. One of 250 cars delivered in September 1974, the class was built specifically for high-cube paper service, reflecting the importance of Maine’s paper industry to the railroad’s traffic base. Alongside is a bright yellow Railbox boxcar, illustrating the growing presence of the nationwide “next load, any road” fleet that was transforming North American boxcar movements during the late 1970s. The contrast between Maine Central’s distinctive Pine Tree Route livery and the colourful Railbox scheme perfectly captures the era. © Rich Gibson
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 FMC boxcar MEC 31695 is photographed on the Illinois Central Gulf at Champaign, Illinois, in March 1987. Built by FMC between October and December 1976 as one of the railroad’s 31250-31749 series, the 50-foot boxcars were among 500 modern cars constructed for high-capacity general merchandise service. Repainted into Maine Central’s white scheme, they continued to roam far beyond New England in nationwide interchange service, making scenes such as this a familiar reminder of Maine Central’s extensive freight car fleet. © Gary Lee Todd
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
Freshly painted Maine Central 50-foot boxcar No. 35026 passes in a freight consist in 1982. Built by Berwick Forge & Fabricating in June–July 1981 (Lot 46800), the car was part of the 35000–35199 series. The class featured a 50 ft 6 in inside length, 75-ton capacity, 10 ft Superior sliding doors and a 5,277 cu ft capacity, and was delivered in bright yellow with the Pine Tree Route herald and green lettering. © Unknown
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 a 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 6385-643440′ BoxcarBuilt 5/1951 by Pullman-Standard, Lot 5999A. AAR type B102, mechanical designation XM. 40 ft 6 in inside length, 44 ft 4 in extreme length, 3934 cu ft capacity, 127000 lb load limit, 50000 lb light weight, and 177000 lb gross weight. Plate B. Equipped with 8 ft doors. Rebuilt in 5/1973 from MEC 8000–8249 series, becoming MEC 6385–6434 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. DF-9 belt rails.
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.

Maine Central 50-foot gondola 1110 stands at Rigby Yard, South Portland, Maine, in July 1976. Built by Evans–SEICO during October and November 1975, these modern gondolas were originally purchased to haul copper ore from the Callahan Mine on the Calais Branch. When the mine closed soon afterwards, the virtually new cars were reassigned to general freight service across the Maine Central system. The striking oversized MAINE CENTRAL lettering and Pine Tree herald made the class among the railroad’s most distinctive freight cars of the late 1970s. © Rich Gibson
Nos.TypeNotes
MEC 1100–1174GondolaBuilt October–November 1975 by Evans–SEICO (Order 1263A). 50 ft inside length. Modern general-service gondolas originally purchased for copper ore traffic from the Callahan Mine on the Calais Branch. Following the mine’s rapid closure, the cars were reassigned to general freight service across the Maine Central system.
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.

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.

Maine Central Railroad triple hopper No. 1820 at Somerville, Massachusetts, on 4 May 1974. Part of MEC’s 1800–1826 series, these 36 ft 9 in offset-end triple hoppers were built by Bethlehem in January 1932. More than forty years later, No. 1820 still carries its dark paintwork and prominent Maine – The Pine Tree State – Central emblem, providing a fine record of one of the Maine Central’s older freight cars still at work during the 1970s. © David E. Boyd
Maine Central Railroad twin hopper No. 3938 at South Portland, Maine, on 15 January 1985. Part of MEC’s 3850–3949 series, these 33-foot offset-side twin hoppers were built by Bethlehem in January 1941. More than four decades later, No. 3938 was still in service, although its heavily weathered body and faded lettering show the effects of a long working life. The remains of the Maine Central’s familiar Pine Tree Route emblem can still be made out on the side. Kodachrome photograph © Chuck Zeiler
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 a small yellow herald.
MEC 3850–3949Open Hopper (Twin)Built 1/1941 by Bethlehem. 33 ft inside length, 7 ft 5 in inside height. Offset twin hoppers.

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 cars from ACF, Bethlehem and Pullman-Standard.

A particularly unusual feature of the fleet was a group of four former open hoppers, Nos. 2300–2303, converted for specialised clothespin traffic associated with Foster Manufacturing. Painted green with yellow lettering, their offset hopper construction and unusual enclosed bodies made them quite unlike the more conventional covered hoppers on the MEC roster.

Maine Central GP38 No. 253 leads GE U18B No. 400 “General Henry Knox” and second-class freight No. 335 into Mattawamkeag, Maine, on 21 February 1978. The train has arrived from Vanceboro and is back on MEC rails after traversing the former Joint Track, which the Maine Central had sold but continued to operate over. Behind the locomotives are two loaded pulpwood rack cars, followed by a cylindrical covered hopper and several high-sided woodchip gondolas converted from former boxcars. On the siding at right are three of the MEC’s four specialised “clothespin” hoppers, with one of the lower 2300/2301 pair sandwiched between two of the taller cars. The photograph provides an excellent comparison of the differing proportions within this tiny captive-service fleet. © Don Marson

The cars carried wooden clothespins from Foster Manufacturing at Mattawamkeag, initially in dedicated service to Thompson’s Point in Portland, an assignment that was lettered on the sides of the cars. They were later also used to serve Foster’s plant at Wilton, where the clothespins were unloaded through the hopper bottoms. Round covers were fitted to the discharge hatches and large pipes, reportedly around 18 inches in diameter, connected to each bay in turn, allowing the load to be pneumatically conveyed into storage bins within the mill.

Although superficially similar, the four cars were not identical. 2300 and 2301 formed an identical pair, converted in 1959 from MEC 3868 and 3931 respectively. Both donor cars had been built in January 1941 and measured 33 ft inside length by 9 ft 2 in inside height, giving the pair a noticeably lower profile than the later conversions. Each had a cubic capacity of 2,565 cu ft.

2302 was converted in 1960 from MEC 3855, another January 1941-built car. It retained the 33 ft inside length but was substantially taller at 10 ft 9 in inside height, increasing its cubic capacity to 3,120 cu ft. 2303, converted in 1967 from MEC 3945, was also 10 ft 9 in inside height but measured 34 ft inside length, with a capacity of 3,187 cu ft. Nos. 2302 and 2303 also differed from each other in details including their roof arrangements. All four cars were rated at 110,000 lb capacity.

The difference in dimensions is particularly apparent when the four cars are seen together, with the lower 2300 and 2301 contrasting noticeably with the taller 2302 and 2303.

MEC 2400 and 2401 were also January 1941-built cars measuring 34 ft inside length by 10 ft 9 in inside height, and were likewise employed in “clothespin” service.

Elsewhere in the covered-hopper fleet, later PS-2 cars in the 2475–2509 series provided more conventional capacity for cement traffic, while a small group of 1932-built triple hoppers was converted in 1963 for grain service as the 2600-series.

Maine Central covered hopper No. 2300 at Livermore Falls, Maine, on 18 February 1980. One of four unusual cars converted for specialised clothespin traffic, No. 2300 was converted in 1959 from 1941-built open hopper MEC 3868 and had a capacity of 2,565 cu ft. The remarkably clear view shows its green and yellow livery, roof loading hatches and the distinctive stencil “FOR CLOTHESPIN SERVICE BETWEEN MATTAWAMKEAG AND THOMPSON POINT.” By this period, the cars also worked to Wilton, where wooden components from Mattawamkeag were unloaded for assembly into finished clothespins. © Thomas L. Seiler
Four of Maine Central’s distinctive covered hoppers assigned to “clothespin” service stand beside the Foster Manufacturing plant at Mattawamkeag, Maine, on 27 July 1985. The two lower cars at left appear to be MEC 2301 and 2300, with the taller 2302 and 2303 alongside. Converted from former open hoppers, these unusual green cars were used in the Maine wood-products trade and were reportedly unloaded pneumatically into the factory’s storage bins. The Foster plant and its rail traffic have since disappeared. © Henry Vaughan
Maine Central covered hopper No. 2301 stands alongside sister car No. 2300, the matching pair of low-profile cars in the railroad’s four-car 2300–2303 “clothespin” fleet. Both were converted from 1941-built open hoppers in 1959 and measured 33 ft inside length by 9 ft 2 in inside height, with a capacity of 2,565 cu ft and a 110,000 lb load limit. Their unusual offset hopper bodies, roof hatches and green paint with yellow lettering are well illustrated in this view. © Brandon Kulik
Maine Central covered hopper No. 2302 at Mattawamkeag, Maine, in 1970, photographed during its specialised service to the local wood-products industry. Converted in 1960 from former open hopper MEC 3855, the car had been built in January 1941 and measured 33 ft inside length and 10 ft 9 in inside height. Its unusual enclosed body, roof loading hatches and offset hopper bottoms are clearly visible here, along with the dark green paint and yellow lettering characteristic of MEC’s small fleet of so-called “clothespin” cars. © Dwight Mitchell
Maine Central covered hopper No. 2303, one of four unusual cars in the railroad’s 2300–2303 “clothespin” fleet. Converted in 1967 from MEC open hopper 3945, originally built in January 1941, No. 2303 was the largest of the four at 34 ft inside length and 10 ft 9 in inside height, with a capacity of 3,187 cu ft and a 110,000 lb load limit. Its distinctive enclosed offset-hopper body and roof arrangement contrast with the lower-profile 2300 and 2301, while the green paint and yellow lettering identify its specialised Maine Central service. © Brandon Kulik
Maine Central covered hopper No. 2303 stands in the Commercial Street yard at Portland, Maine, possibly awaiting repair. One of the railroad’s specialised “clothespin” cars, 2303 normally worked between Mattawamkeag and Wilton, carrying wooden clothespin components for final assembly at the Foster Manufacturing plant. The car’s unusual proportions, enclosed offset-hopper body and end construction are particularly well shown in this broadside view. © John Sanders
A close-up of Maine Central covered hopper No. 2303 on the Farmington Branch between Jay and Farmington, Maine. The specialised lettering reads “ASSIGNED CAR FOR CLOTHESPIN LOADING – Mattawamkeag to Wilton, Maine – When Empty Return to MATTAWAMKEAG,” directly documenting the car’s later captive-service assignment. Wooden clothespin components were produced at Mattawamkeag and carried in these cars to Wilton, where the two wooden halves were assembled with their spring to make the finished clothespin. No. 2303 was the largest of the four 2300-series cars, with a capacity of 3,187 cu ft and a 110,000 lb load limit. © John Sanders
Maine Central caboose 648R brings up the rear of a westbound freight at Pleasant Gardens, Rockland, Maine, on 28 August 1981. Immediately ahead of the caboose are Maine Central covered hoppers 2501, 24?0 and 2488, likely carrying cement traffic from Dragon Products at Thomaston.© Glen Perry
Maine Central covered hopper 2439 stands at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, in July 1976. One of the railroad’s 2430–2444 series, built by American Car & Foundry in January 1947, these distinctive covered hoppers featured open side bracing and wind-deflected square loading hatches for cement service. The class spent much of its working lives hauling cement from Dragon Products at Thomaston, Maine, making them among the most distinctive freight cars on the Maine Central. Weathered after nearly 30 years of service, No. 2439 still carries traces of its original grey paint beneath the grime. © Rich Gibson
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. 110,000 lb capacity; 2,565 cu ft.
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. 110,000 lb; 3,120 cu ft.
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. 110,000 lb; 3,187 cu ft
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 grey 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.

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.

Maine Central caboose 631R trails a train of pulpwood flats through Dexter, Maine, in April 1977. Originally built as a wooden caboose, it was rebuilt with steel sides and an off-centre cupola at Waterville Shops. The Harvest Gold paint and Pine Tree Route herald stand out against the mill buildings as the train passes through one of Maine’s traditional forest products communities. © Robert Kaplan
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
Maine Central caboose 618R brings up the rear of WI-2, the Wood Job, at Pleasant Street, Oakland, Maine, on 15 July 1981. The train is loaded with pulpwood on Maine Central bulkhead flatcars, destined to supply the paper industry that generated much of the railroad’s traffic. © Glen Perry
Loaded with short pulpwood logs, Maine Central pulpwood car 1407 stands at Cumberland Mills, Westbrook, Maine, in July 1976. One of 200 cars built by the Magor Car Company in January 1964, the class featured a 64-foot length between the outside bulkheads, an 8 ft 2 in inside height and a central bulkhead to divide and secure the load. Designed specifically for pulpwood traffic, these distinctive cars carried timber from the forests of northern New England to paper mills such as Cumberland Mills, illustrating the close relationship between the Maine Central and the region’s paper industry. © Rich Gibson
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.

Freshly painted Maine Central woodchip cars MEC 55540 and 55537 stand side-by-side in 1964, displaying the railroad’s striking Pine Tree Route livery and the slogan “Prime Mover for Maine Industry.” The 62-car fleet was created that year by converting former 40-foot boxcars from the MEC 4000, 5000 and 14000 series into open-top cars with extended sides for hauling woodchips. Assigned to captive service and prohibited from interchange, they played an important role in supplying Maine’s pulp and paper industry. © Eric Werner
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
Maine Central insulated woodpulp car No. 2133 crosses the diamond on freight RY-2 at Whitefield Junction, New Hampshire, on 19 July 1978. Originally built as a PS-1 boxcar and converted for woodpulp service in 1961, No. 2133 shows the well-worn appearance typical of the fleet, with extensive yellow paint patches covering repairs while the faded Maine Central herald remains visible. These cars were part of the 2125–2133 series created from the railroad’s 6500–6759 PS-1 boxcars. © Ray Belanger
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

Maine Central’s unique mechanical reefer cars, MEC 1 and MEC 2, stand together at Waterville, Maine, in 1988. Built by Pacific Car & Foundry in January 1965, the 50-foot cars were the only mechanically refrigerated cars on the railroad’s roster. Finished in the railroad’s distinctive harvest gold livery with green Pine Tree heralds, they handled temperature-sensitive traffic requiring self-contained mechanical refrigeration. © Eric Werner
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 rationalisation. Oddball conversions and small speciality pools were thinned, lease fleets cycled out, and standardisation 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 modellers, 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.

4 Comments

  1. Fabulous photographic record!
    What I don’t see in your site are photos of the clothespin cars… specifically #’s 2301 2302 2303.
    Have only seen one or two of #2302. Might you have others?
    Thank you.
    Pierre in Camden Maine.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Pierre! Your comment prompted me to do a bit more digging, and I’ve now updated the page with several photographs of the clothespin cars, including 2301, 2302 and 2303. There are some particularly useful views showing the differences between the cars, which I hadn’t appreciated before.

      I’m continually amazed and very grateful that so many people took the trouble to photograph freight cars at the time, and that they and others have since shared those photographs online for the rest of us to study and enjoy. Without them, putting together pages like this would be considerably more difficult!

      Thanks again for getting in touch, and I hope the new additions are useful.

      Reply

  2. 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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