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Author Topic: Railcar designations industry standard
RailRat7
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I've always loved trains and have lived near them all my life. One thing I noticed is a 4-letter designation, presumably in reference to its cargo. Some sample tank cars have ACFX, UTLX & AMPX.
Where can I get a 'table' or chart explaining what each is? Obviously you cannot put corn syrup in a chemical tank car.

Posts: 2 | From: High Plains Colorado | Registered: Jan 2015  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
ehbowen
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What you refer to is a reporting mark. They are assigned by the Association of American Railroads and indicate the owning railroad or (in the case of all marks ending in "X") non-railroad car owner. In conjunction with the car number (which is assigned by the car owner), they uniquely identify every rail car in interchange service in North America.

A list of reporting marks is available on Railserve.

--------------------
--------Eric H. Bowen

Stop by my website: Streamliner Schedules - Historic timetables of the great trains of the past!

Posts: 413 | From: Houston, Texas | Registered: Mar 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
RailRat7
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Thanks. As is often the case, things are not what one might initially imagine.

So you're an historical rail buff? Perhaps you can help in another area. Spikes. I have a small railroad spike (real rusted, but not too deteriorated) which I imagine would have been for mining cars/carts. I'll check out your site, too.

Posts: 2 | From: High Plains Colorado | Registered: Jan 2015  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
   

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