Well, the lettering sort of explains this, but here goes. Double stacked containers have to be stacked just so, or else! For example if high winds are expected along a car’s route you cannot put an empty container on the top, there are also safety rules regarding what can or cannot be in an upper level container. Haz Mats can’t go up there, for one example. There also are rules for the crane operators at terminals to follow. This car has examples of how to follow the rules and get your job done right. Too bad it all isn’t in a passenger car, but it is a hands on training vehicle. Simulators can only do so much. The hands on trainer is very helpful, espically for new hires.
TTX has had training cars for a long time and this car fits in. My 1977 edition of the Railroad Equipment Register shows that TTX had flatcars for training equipped with more than usual number of hitches and these cars were restricted from revenue service.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this TTX 110 is the same one that had a lot of hitches at one point. The origin of the roof is pretty obvious–it’s off an old auto rack. The end looks like it could have been a makeshift tall bulkhead, such as those applied to some TTX cars at one time for handling Toyota pickup-truck beds. But where would those sides have come from?
ditto