Athearn 86' High Cube Boxcar Info?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I just picked up a Burlington Northern 86’ High Cube boxcar at my LHS.

What is the background or history of what it is used for in service on the road?

I was thinking maybe aircraft parts going to Boeing or maybe automotive parts on to Detroit?

It sure is a massive car, I am just curious what kind of cargo would it carry mostly.

Thanks,

Mark

2

The majority of these cars were used in Auto Parts service. They carry large volume low weight parts such as hoods, trunks, quarter panels, etc. Even if a railroad did not have a plant on it most railroads participated in the car pools based on the distance the cars moved on the railroad.

Some of these cars have been used to transport lightweight paper products such as toilet paper and paper towels.

Rick

3

You can add breakfast cereal to the list.

John Timm

4

Another thing that was shipped in them was new tires. Both passenger,truck and small earthmover tires were hauled in them until the early 1990’s. After that the tires were shipped by truck.

Mikie

5

Automobile parts starting in the 1960s.

6

The Athearn car is a Thrall/Greenville Car design. The Walthers HO car is Pullman Standard design.