CNWX and CPWX

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

I have a question about the 59’ 4-Bay Cylindrical Covered Hoppers that have CANADA painted on the side. Some cars say CNWX and others say CPWX. Why do they say this? The letters CN and CP make me think that possibly they are owned by the Government of Canada but leased to CN or CP. Is this correct or is there a better answer to my question?

2

Yes, your correct on that. They are government owned, but operated by CN & CP.
Thom

3

Thank you very much “SP9811” for your reply.

4

There are about 7800 CNWX and 8000 CPWX cars out there. The Province of Alberta owns about 1600 more, split about evenly between ALPX (CP)and ALNX (CN).
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=82178
The Province of Saskatchewan owns SKNX and SKPX cars as well.
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=114333

5

The first batch of CNWX and CPWX covered hoppers were ordered by the Canadian Wheat Board. Neither CN nor CP were willing to invest in covered hoppers for grain haulage since grain rates, which were governed by the Crows Nest Pass Agreement, were ridiculously low and hopelessly non-compensatory.

Farmers obviously liked the rates; but grain haulage in boxcars, with all its problems and disadvantages, lasted much longer in Canada than in the United States.

6

Thanks for all the replys.