Ah yes...
This car. I'm pretty sure that it's an XAPc, used for auto parts, and apparently not real heavy ones, either. I know that the RCT&HS has looked at this car. That was when the factory was still producing narrow fabric, probably two owners ago. From what I know, the building itself is empty. The side of the car that faces the wall is unpainted, and shows the rather plain "READING" lettering, with no herald or italic "speed lettering". These cars are somewhat unusual in that they have flat roofs (no ribs). They were the "hi-cubes" of their day. The Reading sold a number of cars for use as quickie storage sheds and buildings, usually less trucks. Many of these ended up (and many are still there) in the coal regions.
The car was used as the "factory outlet" for that building (probably THREE owners ago), and the one door at the steps slides to reveal a glass store-type door. The interior is paneled and has a ceiling with fluorescent lights. and maybe display cases. Most of that would have to probably be taken down before it's moved.
Why didn't the RCT&HS grab this car? Other priorities. It wouldn't take much to move it, just a couple of cranes, a flatbed and a lowboy, and a shoebox full of 20 dollar bills (100s would be better). The White Deer group acquired their collection when the stuff could be moved on the real railroads, and they have quite a bit, which they seem to be a bit challenged with. (you know, like just about everybody else)
The shoebox awaits!
|
