The humble boxcar. Barely noticed, largely replaced by more specialized cars, these universal carriers still soldier on even today. Back in 2000 or 2001 when this photo was taken, there were more of them roaming the rails. I photographed these two Bangor & Aroostook cars (6794 and 5837) crossing the Reversing Falls in Saint John, New Brunswick.
I’m not a detail person when it comes to trains, but even a cursory glance at the photograph shows that the two BAR cars and the NOKL boxcar on the right are different. Blue BAR 6784 has smooth sides; pinkish BAR 5837 has vertical ribs; and NOKL 525174 with the giant numbers was what is known as a “waffle side boxcar” for obvious reasons. Likely all three were in the business of hauling paper, either from Irving Pulp & Paper in the background, or more likely Irving Paper over by Courtenay Bay.
More boxcars from the same train. I photographed a lot of yellow Railbox boxcars.
TTX subsidiary Railbox was formed in 1974 during the US boxcar shortage. Today they have more than 37,000 boxcars and gondolas so there is still plenty of demand for the boxcar.
Saint John naturally sees Eastern road names, and in 2000 and 2001 that included Guilford and Boston & Maine along with the BAR.
The humble boxcar keeps doing its thing. We’ll keep photographing them.