What seems strange to me is that at the same time they were in the
process of doing this to the older auto boxes they plan and build
the 41M series with combination doors. Gradually the operating
mechanism was either removed or welded in place so the plug door
could not be used. A vertical channel was welded to the inside edge
of the plug door. It was partially open on the inside and had a piece
of wood inside it so the cars could be coopered. With the inside
lining of the plug door gone these cars always leaked.
It wasn't just the "Q". The NP 9M cars were just as bad. Probably
why both of these groups were picked for the final 40' box shopping
program.
In the late 70's the St Paul arranged for a shipper financed shopping
program. While BN's stock and refrigerator programs often involved the
shippers doing the work themselves in this case they supplied part of
the money and the railroad did the work. These cars were even painted.
Mostly combination door cars were used and all exterior door hardware
was removed and the door welded shut at top and bottom. Inside the new
car lining extended right to the opening for the sliding door. This
still left them with a good grain car in contrast to the BN programs
that took the cars totally out of grain service with either wide or
double sliding doors.
Oh well, what's past is past. Now all that is left is a few of the
BN 200M double sliding door cars that are used as buffers in ribbon
rail trains.
Russ
----- Original Message -----
From: Rupert and Maureen
To: CBQ@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 30 November, 2005 00:42
Subject: Re: [CBQ] Re: Q Double Door 40' Box Cars
Tom
In most cases, the second door was permanently closed by welding two bars
from the outside frame of the car to the door edge. Some were renumbered
(such as the XA-16's) by painting out the first number, others were given
totally different numbers (XA-8's went from 41500-42999 to 11000-12499),
whilst other cars kept the original numbers (such as XA-14C's #46600-46649)
In addition, the word "Automobile" was painted out and, if it had been
fitted with loading devices, the white line across the door was also painted
out when the devices were removed.
Rupert Gamlen
Auckland NZ
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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