I remember reading on the web somewhere about upgrading a boxcar (freightcar) by removing the walkway, it mentioned, repainting the boxcar and a sign by the ladder warning that there was no walkway. Anyone remember this, or have the info?
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Hello Rudy,
The prototype basis:
Sometime in the 1960s, for safety reasons, the Interstate Commerce Commission or FRA (I don’t remember which) outlawed roofwalks on boxcars and reefers. Little by little, shop crews removed thousands of roofwalks off of 40ft and 50ft boxcars. Many 40ft. boxcars and reefers had already reached 30 years of age, so they were scrapped. Yet, even in the late 1970s, boxcars with roofwalks could still be found, however, their end ladders had been cut off.
The 50ft. boxcars that were still in good shape had any visible holes patched up and a few remain in service today. By 1980 roofwalks were extinct with the exception of tourist lines and museum cars. New Boxes and Reefers bullt in the late 60s came without roofwalks.
For modelers with Athearn “Blue Box” boxcars and reefers with removable roofwalks, it’s a simple matter of removing the walk, filling the holes in with putty, CA, or resin. Sanding and paint matching the work.
The end ladders are another matter. You can carefully cut them off with an exacto knife, fill in any remaining gouges, sand and paint to match.
I have about 20 Athearn BB boxcars and reefers. Since my modelng era is from 1965 thru 71, I’ve removed the roofwalks, and filled in the holes. However, I haven’t bothered with the end ladders.
I hope this is of some help.
Some cars that were approaching the end of their useful life had the roof walks removed (a simple matter with a cutting torch) but the angles left in place (unpainted) and the brake wheels in the original (high) position. After the first rainstorm, the angles became blobs of rust.
Just another fun thing for the detail nuts among us.
Chuck.