35 volunteers arrive in Antonito to make a difference

[Ed Lowrance]

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[John Cole]

It is sure exciting to seeing a 34foot stock car getting another step closer to running on the rails again. Anyone know when was the last time one of these were on the railroad?

[Jared Singletary]

I don't know the exact answer to that question John but they started scrapping the 5900 series cars in 1955 so they could use the trucks under the 6400 and 6600 flats. The last ones were scrapped in 1957. Do you know why they were built 34' long instead of 30'?

Jared

[John Cole]

Not a clue, do you know?

[Jared Singletary]

As it would so happen... Along about 1917 the D&RG commissioned a survey of the 5500 series stock cars. The cars were in rather bad shape just due to the nature of the open design of the cars. That's why the friends are installing the metal roofs on the cars today IIRC. The report recommended a new class of car be built to replace them. It was also recommended that any new cars that might be used to haul lumber (big business then) be built 34' long, enough to carry 2 two stacks of 16ft boards. Who would have ever thought carrying lumber would dictate how long you would build a stock car? Rather interesting I thought.

Jared

[John Cole]

Didn't know that, thanks Jared. Ed Lowrance had emailed me saying that the bad internet connection at Mogote Meadows campground prevented him from uploading very many photos during work session. He is going to post some more when they get home.

I talked to Chris Trunk, and he said that the first tank car is almost done. The car barn siding crew, almost finished but they ran out of material, (something like 6 sheets short). The stock car got much accomplished on the roof and a coupler install, and Russ Hanskom and Marshal Smith really burned through welding rod assembling the new replica passenger car trucks. Gee, I wonder what cars they are going on......

[Jared Singletary]

Great news John.