E.-L. Merge Paint Scheme Boxcars:

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

“Happy Thanksgiving” to all,

Please, would anyone answer regarding E.-L. RR’s. Gray and Maroon boxcars.
Were they used only for general freight, only L.C.L.- fast freight, or both?

Thank you,

Ralph

2

I believe the gray EL boxcars were for general purpose. If I remember right, the gray paint was the EL’s first post-merger paint scheme for boxcars, till they realized the gray showed rust and dirt too much, so they changed to boxcar red with white lettering.

3

Uncle Bob,

I’m sorry for my late response to your answer.
Now, I know why the cars were quickly changed to boxcar brown and such.

Being that the gray scheme came out and the color was changed so fast, made me think that the gray was specifically for L.C.L. and the brown for general service. I did not know, at the time of my question, of the classification data on the gray boxes being ‘XM,’ etc, until a little while ago.

Thank you and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Ralph