Trains.com

MILW & General Reporting Marks Question

1917 views
8 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2023
  • 2 posts
MILW & General Reporting Marks Question
Posted by MILWray on Monday, July 24, 2023 11:19 AM

I'm hoping someone can provide some additional information or context on this unique car number: MILW X908208. I have not been able to find this via any of the published reporting marks used by the Milwaukee Road. Any information about the X, or where to try to track down more information about cars marked this way is much appreciated.

  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 5,016 posts
Posted by rcdrye on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 7:18 AM

"X" series numbers are used on non-revenue equipment.  The car is a former steam locomotive tender, probably used in water service.

  • Member since
    July 2023
  • 2 posts
Posted by MILWray on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 11:14 AM

Thank you so much redrye! You're absolutely right, upon further research this was used for water service to this town. Do you have any other examples of non-revenue rolling stock that would have been used back throughout the 1930s - 1950s?

  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 5,016 posts
Posted by rcdrye on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 8:48 PM

"X" numbers were (and still are) used on anything from shop switchers to snow plows.  Wrecking cranes and camp cars are also found on various railroads.

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 10:19 AM

"X" numbers are fairly common for non-revenue equipment but other prefixes (SPMW comes to mind) or number blocks (900xxx) are also used.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 10:20 AM

Yes pretty much any MOW (Maintenance of Way) equipment could have the X designation, indicating they were only to be used only on railroad property and not interchanged. Cranes, bunkcars, gondolas with ties and rail, rotary snow plows etc. etc. Any 'work train' equipment. Old freight cars would be saved from scrapping for MOW use, so in the 1930s-50s you might see old cars with archbar trucks, trussrods, older style brakes, etc.

Stix
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, August 10, 2023 10:31 PM

X is also indicative of cars that CAN NOT be used Interchange Service.  Cars use in Interchange Service must meet certain standards of age, car construction techniques, air brake equipment etc.  Cars that don't meet the standards cannot move OFF the owners tracks.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Friday, August 11, 2023 10:13 AM

If you consider the condition of some of the non-interchange equipment that I've seen over the years, I'm not sure that they could move ON the owner's tracks.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Monday, August 14, 2023 7:01 AM

CSSHEGEWISCH
If you consider the condition of some of the non-interchange equipment that I've seen over the years, I'm not sure that they could move ON the owner's tracks.

In many cases you are right, however, with some WD-40, duct tape and a coat hanger or two you can probably watch it make some kind of move on its owners rails.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter