Questions -- using an official Equipment Register

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

I bought an Equipment Register at a swap meet but never attempted to actually use it until tonight. Someone gave me a list of loads and empties at an industry and I attempted to find out more about the cars, based on knowing the reporting marks and number.

I guess I always assumed you could use an Equipment Register to determine the Built date of a freight car but unless I am missing something it seems the only way would be to have a complete set and trace a car number back until it first appears — right? Or am I missing something.

Also a question about car lengths as stated in an equipment register. They give both inside and outside car lengths. Is what we call a 40 foot or 50 foot boxcar – is that the inside or outside length? I guess I assumed outside but now I am not so sure.

Thanks for any help.
Dave Nelson

2

Even with a set of ORERs just because a new set of cars appears they may not be new. Railroads will buy used cars, and then number them in a block. Normally a 50 foot boxcar refers to the outer dimension.

3

you need acess to umler.
the Equipment Register only has the information the car owner puts in it and it is
not kept up to date very well.