Need help on reasearch info, centerbeam cars

[kjuice]

I'm trying to find out when centerbeam cars were introduced, when they were in general use, and when they were in common used. Anyone able to help with this?

[DSchmitt]

The following is from the Brooklyn Locomotive Works hobby shop web sight:

"Modelers refer to bulkhead flat cars with a supporting center beam connecting the ends as a 'Centerbeam' flat car. The words 'Center Beam' are actually trademarked by Thrall who was an early pioneer in developing these widely used cars. Today, Thrall along with Gunderson, National Steel Car, Trinity and others make different variations of these earlier designs, each company's design a little different adding variety. These cars are used to carry lumber, trusses and other building materials, sometimes wrapped and sometimes exposed to the elements."

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My recollection is that Centerbeam type cars first appeared in the 1970's and their use really took off in the mid to late 1980's. Today they are very likely the most used car type for hauling timber industry products. The Western Pacific Railroad for instance bought 60' 8" "opera window" centerbeams fron Thrall in 1977.

Thrall Car Manufacturing Company was merged into Trinity Industries in 2001.

[kjuice]

good to hear, earliest examplei could find was for 1972.