And here are a few pics of the car that is sitting in Columbia AL right
now, DUPX 12405. They are truly unique pieces of rolling stock and it will
be a shame if a group isn't able to preserve one. Anybody know why they are
being scrapped??? I noticed this particular one was built in 1970. Has
it become too expensive to maintain compared to newer equipment??? Perhaps
not up to speed with updated EPA requirements? ?? Just curious why they
seem to have reached the end of the line.

Anyway, here are a couple of long shots in cloudy shadowy conditions. I
have been wanting to get back and get some pics in sunshine but all the rain
down here of late has delayed that. Here are two long shots:
http://bsmith3608.rrpicturearchives.net ... id=1867874

http://bsmith3608.rrpicturearchives.net ... id=1867875

Here is an end view. Note the walking platform on one side that runs the
entire length of the car:
http://bsmith3608.rrpicturearchives.net ... id=1867876

Here is a view of the handbrake area. Notice how the hand brake seems to
have a "splitter" that perhaps allows the handbrake to be set on both set of
trucks on this end of the car:
http://bsmith3608.rrpicturearchives.net ... id=1867877

Here are some details of the cars weights and limits. This pic shows the
load limit and light weight. These numbers indicate that when this car is
loaded to it's capacity it's total weight would be right at 525,000 pounds
or a little over 260 tons. Amazing:
http://bsmith3608.rrpicturearchives.net ... id=1867878

Here is the built date, June 1970. Glad everything around here that was
"built" prior to this date isn't being "eliminated" . If so we would be
missing several members including myself. Guess it goes to show us older guys
are tougher than an 8 axle 70 ton (when empty) tank car.
http://bsmith3608.rrpicturearchives.net ... id=1867879

And one more showing the capacity in gallons. I understand these cars
were used primarily to haul chemicals used in anti-freeze and the plastics
industry. However for perspective, the capacity of the large tank trucks you
see delivering gasoline is typically around 9000 gallons whereas this tank
car has a capacity of over 38,000 gallons or over 4 times what an over the
road tank truck can handle. Truly amazing beasts. Sad to see them go.
Hopefully somewhere one will be preserved for history. However given the
shear weight of these monsters I bet they fetch a pretty penny on the scrap
market.
http://bsmith3608.rrpicturearchives.net ... id=1867880

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania has a big tank car that the call the "Rail Whale"

Might this car be part of the same class?

On another tank car note, UTLX 69399, an AC&F product of 6-55, insulated and with recessed ends, was hauled off to the scrapper on November 6. It had been purchased by a local industry to hold hot liquids (it was marked "HOT WAX") but whether it was ever used or not I don't know. It was in decent shape overall, but had been sitting in dirt on the center sill for at least 4-5 years. In any case, it was supposedly offered to the museum if we would move it, but I was unaware of the offer since it came to our Executive Director, who is decidedly not a fan of the railroad collection at our 'heritage center". I could have at least salvaged the draft gear and couplers, although all brake equipment was long-gone, and no trucks. Anyway, just a notice in case anyone is interested.