Sand Patch Grade: Why A 56ft Well Car?

Discussion in 'Off Topic' started by Blacknred81, Oct 6, 2020.

  1. Blacknred81

    Blacknred81 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2019
    Messages:
    5,571
    Likes Received:
    11,845
    So something that I found curious about the rolling stock that came with Sand Patch Grade was the Well Car. Why? Because it is one of a rare length, a 56ft Well Car.
    c5007b88-57c7-419d-a426-bdab8ee8be2c.jpg

    Now from what info I can gather, these well cars were specially made for UPS, to carry 4 28' containers in a single car. However, Its very hard to find real photos of them (Had to dig thru RR Picture Archives to find any photos),and I couldn't find one with the full 28' set, though there's plenty of photos of the Athearn HO Scale model ones.
    1 e 10-24-07 01 NM 346.jpg
    athearn-56-well-cars-53-28-containers_1_9b6ea499a5dfcbccd44d44342f0b8a73.jpg
    s-l1600.jpg

    So, it just seems like an odd choice of a well car to be put into Sand Patch Grade for a car that is rarely seen on the rails, compared to a 53', 48' or 40' car.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  2. stujoy

    stujoy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2019
    Messages:
    6,478
    Likes Received:
    17,341
    An easy way to make a freight train longer without adding extra resource sapping wagons? Go for the longest wagon available.
     
    • Like Like x 1

Share This Page