A few days ago while I rode Amtrak's Southwest Chief through the Albuquerque New Mexico area I saw several old Santa Fe reefers along the right-of-way that had been purchased by private individuals for use as storage sheds and other types of buildings. One really neat two story industrial structure was compossed entirely of old reefers cars and box car doors! Unfortunately we passed these structures at dusk so photographing these relics from the train was impossible. All of these cars were on the South West side of Albuquerque along the BNSF main line. Does anyone know where I can find pictures of these converted relics in the Albuquerque area? I have searched the railfan picture archives on the internet and have come up empty handed, any help finding photos would be apreiciated!
Sorry I can't help with photos, but I have a couple of additions.
Apparently it was Santa Fe practice to sell off serviceable but surplus cars (without trucks) to anyone who wanted them. I have seen reefers in Roswell, NM, cabooses (!) in a field outside Seligman, AZ, and a covered hopper on stilts next to I-40 in NM. Until 2003, when it was painted flat black by the owner, the hopper still had a full suite of Santa Fe markings.
I hope someone else has photos.
Chuck
This is not exactly what you are looking for. I found 3 cars adjacent to former Route 66 in Texas, near NM line. They were being used for storage of some kind.In NM, just west of Lamy, a little town of Madrid has many structures made from ex RR cars. Here is a small art studio.
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