Bunk Cars Still in Use? (Pics)

[Dough]

Hey everybody. I just thought that some of you may be interested in seeing a few pictures of the bunk cars that are currently in Lula, GA. They are old Conrail flat cars mostly built in 1934. They are all in the 62XXX range. There are 14 including the flat with tanks. The NS tie gang is replacing ties on the single track all the way south to Norcross.

Does anybody have any history on these cars? Also how often is it to have bunk cars now?





What is TS24?



What is this for? I have some better pics and higher resolution.



Finally what is this?



I’ll try to photograph the actual tie gang when I get the chance.

[mudchicken]

TS24 - NS Tie & Surfacing System Gang 24?

Flatcar is your hotel powere and potable water pressure system

Orange machine is a prussian nightmare, a Plasser stoneblower, Guage RTestraint Measurement System or CAT Tamper or vibratory compactor/ ballast consolidator (all use similar carbodies...I vote for the Plasser GRMS from what I see.)

Bunk cars are becoming rare due to corporate lodging policies, union agreements, maintenance costs and the difficulties in protecting the bunk&outfit cars under the 49 CFR's and from the operating department (Blue flag & derail setback requirements- does not exactly look like 300' from the nearest main track either!)

[Dough]

Wow, thanks for all of that info. I have some pics of the blue flags at either end fo that yard siding. They have a lamp hanging there to see it at night. BTW, those two lines in the bottom of the last picture are the mainline. Perhaps there is a slow order for that section of track, or maybe some other rule.

[JoeKoh]

Dough
Ns also had a gang last spring around NW ohio. parked bunk cars and mow equipment right in front of where i work in the siding.They also have portable trailers in Bryan at the depot.
stay safe
Joe

[jeaton]

Sure look better than the bunk cars from waaaay back in my day. Are those AC units on the roof? I'll bet they also have indoor commodes and hot showers. OMG, how soft can people get.

Next thing you know, they will be putting those cars on freight trains as a place where crews can go to wait for the dog crew. But don't tell csxengineer, he's going to think that "run through" train crews have started. LOL

Jay

Jay

[Anonymous]

We call them "Camp Cars" on Amtrak's northeast corridor. But, I haven't seen them in a while.

[Anonymous]

I saw two camp cars on the NS Pittsburg Line in late December. First time I have ever seen one in real life.[:D]