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There are some variables to your question. There's 28", 33", 36" & 38" The most common being 33" for freight which depends upon the tonnage rating, 70 ton, 100 ton 125 ton. Passenger cars generally require 36" BUT some of the rivarossi cars take 33". For 33", generally 40' & 50' box cars, flat cars, cabooses, 34' & 40" granules hoppers. For 36", generally 54'ACF center flo's, 50" tank cars, 100 ton coal hoppers, cylindrual covered hoppers, 2 bay 100 ton capacity hoppers, 2 bay ACF covered hoppers, 40' cement hoppers. Some of the newer hoppers may use 38" on 125 ton sideframes. 38" on 125 ton trucks on anhydrous ammonia. Auto rack cars may use 28" for clearence reasons and Beer can cars can vary depending upon the density and weiight of cargo. Depending upon the time era and the truck manufacturer determines the smooth/rib back. For instance, the #500 Bettendorf used 33" smooth backs from the 30's to 93, while the #554 Bettendorf T-section used 33" ribbed backs from the 20's thru the 50's. I can mail you the Kadee sheet that covers these varables. Your next concern is, what's the best all metal replacement out there? Generally the proto replacement set seems to be the most popular among modelers, comes 33" & 36" rib or smooth and is not expensive. Kadee also make a replacement set, BUT the black finish does transfer on to the track and track does require cleaning once the finish wears off. The all metal(axle too) is also very popular but expensive. So you see, there's choices to be made, but your cars will perform better,cleaner and greater free rolling ability. You need that sheet? Chuck, locomotive3@prodigy.net
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