63098-01 BNSF 727436 Repaint 9-98, ACF 50' Hi-cube non-Waffle, 8+8 plug door
ACF Industries (ACF) started producing this general type of 70t Hi-Cube exterior post designed car in 1971, the design developed further to 1974. Specifically, this 1972 version has no waffles and the lading band anchors reside behind the posts. Unlike the waffled cars which use the waffles to strengthen the walls, these were designed for heavier service and 100t capacity. This car design was tailored for paperboard loading like the waffle cars. They were assigned to nationwide pools for paperboard customers (including Canada). Paperboard is the raw material used in the making of carboard boxes. The Hi-Cube height was important to accommodate various sizes of paper rolls, with either one-high, two-high or three-high depending on internal or external customer requests. The Plate clearance for these cars pre-date the Plate F introduction so they were marked with Exceeds Plate C. Even with their height these cars travelled throughout the US and Canada and usually ganged together into small blocks of cars. So, it was common to see all railroad schemes in one string together.
The Super Shock-Control logo signifies Keystone brand 20-inch cushioning, which ATSF had a large capital stake in the development of the device.
This design lasted a long time and there are reports they are still running around to this day, although with heavy modifications.
- Assigned to pulpboard service...most likely
DESIGN FEATURES
- Differing lettering placements for individual car numbers for repainted cars
- Car number specific handbrakes, Ajax, Ellcon-National, Equipco, Klasing or Universal
- Unique very tall pair of 8' Youngstown plug doors
- ACF draft gear designed tailored to each prototype
- Multiple versions of door stops, waffles and non-waffles
- Durable rubber air hoses and metal corner stirrups
- 70t trucks with metal wheels and axles, type matched to prototype
- Highly detailed Stanray T3-3-3 ends uniquely used to this Hi-Cube
- Researched accurate lettering, from the smallest stencils to the nuisances of repainted cars
- Kadee ”Scale” Whisker couplers
