Shipping Cost of Train Car!

[spankybird]

The other day there was a thread on shipping cost of train cars. A local company here in Willioughby bought this train car. It was once part of the 1976 Freedom train and this car was also used by JFK when he was campaining back in the 50's.

 

And how did they ship it, you ask?

 

How about FedEx ! ! !

 

So how much do you think this cost???

[Demon09]

Where was it shipping from?

In any case, I imagine that it is probably something over $30,000 when the crane rentals, truck rentals, and any police escorts or anything of that nature that goes along with such a big move....

[1688torpedo]

Tom- That is one expensive Passenger Car. It should be an asset for Willoughby as it is literally a piece of history. Will Go & Take a look at it tommorrow before I'm off to Work. This was not made & shipped here from China for $2.00 that's for sure. Take Care.

[MartyE]

Was it there by 10am the next morning?

[daan]

What an odd way to transport a train car.. What about a train to move it?? Or is that too obvious.

[brianel027]

Well I'm not an expert here, but I do know from a good friend who is involved with a tourist railroad line, that they have a hard time getting old trains to reburbish on to their track. For one, I do believe there are AAR guidelines as to the shape and condition of trains that can be moved on current class A lines. Private lines are probably another matter.

In these parts, I've been told Norfolk Southern is pretty particular about the age and condition of trains allowed on their track. Which I can understand. Many previous double train mainlines are down to a single track today. NS is in business to make money shipping frieght. The last thing they want is a closed single track line due to a mishap pulling an 80-year old passenger car. The NS line through this area sees about 5-6 large trains per day. I can't imagine the revenue from pulling one old train car is worth the loss of those other daily runs. It is a treat to see the periodic Jersey DOT passenger cars being pulled on a freight to and from the shops at Hornell, NY. But those are also much newer trains that still see current service down in Jersey.

Which is why I would imagine these old trains get moved by other means than the obvious rails they were once built to roll down.

[spankybird]

What an odd way to transport a train car.. What about a train to move it?? Or is that too obvious.

 

Daan, the problem with that here in the States is it would have to pass an FTA inspection and prove that it was safe on the rails. Even thou this will be displayed next to NS tracks, there isn't a siding for the drop off.

 

[Anonymous]

What an odd way to transport a train car.. What about a train to move it?? Or is that too obvious.

Not too hard. A number of Axles for the weight, proper length and other dimensional needs of the vehicle added to proper paperwork and support (Escorts etc) and off it goes. It is not a cargo for a refridgerated lead foot like myself. It might take a few days to get from one place to another only a few miles apart.

If you are between Harrisburg PA and Washington DC you might see that the Wash Metro ships individual cars by truck to and from facilities involved in making, maintaining and work on the subway cars.

Estimating the car to be about 120,000 pounds and 80 feet long off the top of my head.. many outriggers made for highway use can handle this load easily.

It is actually a good way to transport it if you dont think it's too safe for rail use.

I dont know the Tarrif rates for such a move, something like this is going to be expensive. And the paperwork has to be par-excellence. Not shoved into the drawer with the grease and tobacco stains either.