Western Railroad Discussion > Surprise Visitor in Salt Lake City Today

Spotted this golden oldie today in Salt Lake City. It must be close to 45 years old, give or take.

Apparently it came from the Tacoma Municipal Belt Railway in Washington and it headed east to Rocky Flats, Colorado.

James Belmont
Salt Lake City, UT

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I don't think we are hauling grain out of Montana and the Dakotas anymore, Toto.

What a catch!  Thanks so much for posting it here.

I do not think she is more than 40 years old, as
there is some kind of FRA rule that prohibits any
cars older than 40 years old from being used to
in freight trains.  But, then, I am n ot an expert, so
I welcome correction from anyone who kows what
the current rules are about this.
TIA!



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 02/22/17 22:56 by Margaret_SP_fan.

fbe Wrote:
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> I don't think we are hauling grain out of Montana
> and the Dakotas anymore, Toto.

Dang it!

James Belmont
Salt Lake City, UT

Really nice color in that one James!  A nice "Grande Golden Glow."  Thanks for sharing.

Kent in CArmel Valley

Margaret_SP_fan Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What a catch!  Thanks so much for posting it
> here.
>
> I do not think she is more than 40 years old, as
> there is some kind of FRA rule that prohibits any
> cars older than 40 years old from being used to
> in freight trains.  But, then, I am n ot an
> expert, so
> I welcome correction from anyone who kows what
> the current rules are about this.
> TIA!

No, AAR Rule 90 prohibits cars in interchange service over 40 years old if the was built before July 1, 1974 and has not been rebuilt per AAR Rule 88. This rule is now irrelevant. 49 CFR 215.203 prohibits freight cars from being used once they reach 50 years old unless the owner obtains approval from the FRA.

James, I like that background scenery behid the car. The Wasatch at its finest.

Bob Krieger
Cheyenne, WY

Er...isn't that a gravel pit or quarry?

EricSP ---
Thank you very, very much for this interesting info.
That is exactly what I was looking for!

EricSP Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Margaret_SP_fan Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > What a catch!  Thanks so much for posting it
> > here.
> >
> > I do not think she is more than 40 years old,
> as
> > there is some kind of FRA rule that prohibits
> any
> > cars older than 40 years old from being used to
> > in freight trains.  But, then, I am n ot an
> > expert, so
> > I welcome correction from anyone who kows what
> > the current rules are about this.
> > TIA!
>
> No, AAR Rule 90 prohibits cars in interchange
> service over 40 years old if the was built before
> July 1, 1974 and has not been rebuilt per AAR Rule
> 88. This rule is now irrelevant. 49 CFR 215.203
> prohibits freight cars from being used once they
> reach 50 years old unless the owner obtains
> approval from the FRA.

Very cool catch. It's been a while since I've seen any of the Milwaukee's 4740CF covered hoppers. Per the Milwaukee Road Color Guide to Passenger and Freight Equipment Vol 2 by Douh Nishswonger, this car appears to be from the 97500-97600 series built in 1967. Looks pretty good for a near fifty-year old car.

yorknl Wrote:
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> Er...isn't that a gravel pit or quarry?

Gravel pit north of Salt Lake City along Hwy. 89. Makes for a surreal photo backdrop.

James Belmont
Salt Lake City, UT

Would this car have been originally outfitted with the "America's Resourceful Railroad" slogan plate?

I believe this PS is 4427 cu ft and never had the America's Resourceful Railroad billboard. It looks to be the original factory paint since you can see the small PS logo down along the side sill.

Defintely not a 4740 - they had 15 panels and  the "America's Resourceful Railroad" slogan.

The question is:  Is it a PS 4427 built in 1967 (97700-97999) or in 1972 (97500-97699).

Great catch!