What is the over all length of a boxcar?

Question

My client tells me that his boxcar dimensions are 50'-6" but that is interior of the box and does not include the coupling on either end. I am looking to position edge of dock angles where the fork trucks will enter the boxcar and I need to know what the OAL is of a 50'-6" boxcar. Is there a specs sheet out there??? Thanks.

Answer 1

you can get your info on line but now you will have to see what rolling stock the leasing company has.

start there and they will have all the spec's for you.

also the footage depends on date of manufacture

newer cars are longer than older ones. for leasing try Rbox or Thrall they should have info if not e-mail me I'll get it. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Randy has a good idea about contacting RBOX. I know that there are what is referred to as 50 footers, 52, and even 70 footers. You could also call the "Accounts Department" of the railroad you'll be working with. They'll have all that data too.

Answer 3

Since boxcars do vary somewhat and new cars in the future could be built to a different standard, it might be best to consider a design with some flexibility.

Answer 4

Not all 50'-6" box cars have the same OAL.  In the US, there is a national database for all railroad equipment, called UMLER.

For any car reporting mark/number, a quick look into the database will pull that information right up.

If you could provide the reporting mark and number, we could help you more.