I remembered reading about some hide car conversions recently while
doing some research on the the XM-32. Turns out that trusty Burlington
Bulletin #7 contained the additional info.
Apparently there were a handful of Q boxes modified for hide service
both pre- and post-BN. In May 1968, eight XM-32's were downgraded to
hide service. Cars 30387, 31349, 32925, 37321, 60079, 60626, 61009, and
61791 received four large rooftop hatches and wre reclassed LC. The
hatches were staggered, two per side. In 1982 a number of additional
XM-32's were similarly converted for the BN. There is a picture of a
freshly converted BN 124663 (former Q 63663) dated March 20, 1982.
BTW, the 1982 photo clearly shows that the roofwalk and a full ladder on
the A end were intact following the conversion. Makes sense that they
would need to keep these to maintain access to the rooftop hatches. So I
guess every rule has its exceptions. (The side ladder was still
shortened to 4-rungs though.)
Tim Orisek
Woodridge, IL
On Friday, March 15, 2002, at 06:51 PM, Virginia Edgar wrote:
Speaking of roofs - shortly after BN time, they took a number of ex-GN
40'
steel boxcars & put hatches at either end for hide loading (saw them @
Morrell In Sioux Falls & elsewhere). Some were apparently modified by
GN
pre-BN but never saw a Q box so modified either pre- or post-BN. Anyone
know of any? Am aware of course of Q 40' wood box cars stenciled for
hide
loading only but no roof hatches. Gerald
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