Re: Phase "Zero" / St Charles Coal Cars: Robert Stears Plans, Lettering sets

Posted by Jim Courtney on
URL: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/Phase-I-1902-C-S-Coals-tp5260p5955.html

Bob and Chris,

I would think that the end attachment was "semi-permanent". In the earlier thread, ends with stakes outside the ends are visible (as on the 3-board 4601), while some of the 4-board cars had end stakes inside the ends, both stake versions possibly penetrating the floor behind the end beam. Some cars had a vertical 2 x to reinforce the end of the sides. All seem to have a horizontal metal tie rod to pull the sides together at the ends (note the bolt with nut and washer, visible at the bottom of the top board of the 4601 above), located inside the ends, as opposed to outside the ends on the Peninsular cars.

But for certain shipments, the ends could be removed, possibly staying with the car, as in this rebuilt Peninsular car 4970 at Baileys:


http://digital.denverlibrary.org/cdm/fullbrowser/collection/p15330coll22/id/243/rv/singleitem


The only photo of a 4600 series car with end removed, that I've seen, is this blurry photo of a 4-board St Charles car at Alma:


Park County Local History Archives, negative 2857.


And Chris, I can't see a brake staff / wheel on either end of the car you referenced. But since the ends are recessed a fair bit, perhaps the staff/wheel is in the usual place, but very short like on a flat car, still able to hide from view in both photos.

Jim