Many, many years ago (mid-1980s), I was railfanning along the MoPac branch in my hometown (which I now model in HO scale). There was a large brick plant along that branch, manufacturing red face brick. It received empty boxcars for loading. On one occasion, there was a tankcar spotted on the brick plant spur. Does anyone know why a brick plant would need a tankcar, and what would be in it? Perhaps someone with knowledge of the industry could chime in. Unfortunately, I don't recall the length of the tankcar, whether or not it had coils, was pressurized, etc.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Clay slurry cars?
Perhaps the tank car was delivering glazing in liquid form.
Mark
Any idea what fuel was used at the plant - fuel oil, coal, pipeline natural gas??? If colored, decorated bricks were made, perhaps some pigment slurry?
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
I think the plant had access to its own nearby clay pit (typical red, East Texas mud). So I don't know if they would have received slurry ...
Liquid glazing is a possibility. Since it was a lone tankcar, that would make sense. Any other possibilities? What about acid of some kind, maybe to etch or treat the bricks?
Oh--and about fuel: probably pipeline natural gas, I'd say. So they probably wouldn't have received anything via rail.
More then likely those tankers was used for clay slurry.This is used to seal kilns and in the manufacturing of bricks.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Sometimes it helps if you tell us the name of the plant and its location.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
"Sometimes it helps if you tell us the name of the plant and its location."
Ah. That might certainly help. It used to be Henderson Brick, in Henderson, Texas (located in the northeastern part of the state, about 60 miles west of the Louisiana border). It was bought by Boral Brick some years ago. Not sure if it's still Boral, or something else.
When I worked for ACF - Amcar, we made numerous tank cars for direct sale and lease through our sister Shippers Car Line for clay slurry and the brick industry.