Posted on 06/01/2015 10:30:30 AM PDT by Dick Bachert
I recently had the following FB message exchanges with Union Pacific Railroad seeking clarification of the functions of the rail cars in the photo below.
My requests to UP and the dates of same are as follows:
On 5/11/2015: Can someone there please advise me the intended cargo/function of the rail cars shown in the accompanying photos? Thanks.
Their nearly immediate initial reply (no date):
Hi Richard,
That is an AutoMax automotive rack.
You can check out the different varieties here:
https://www.up.com/customers/all/equipment/descriptions/auto-racks/index.htm
Thanks for reaching out!
Best,
Alison Freemyer
Corporate Relations
My NEXT attempt to get the truth:
On 5/20/2015
Alison, These are distinctly different from the autoracks built by THRALL CAR's Winder, Georgia plant. I supplied many of the overhead cranes in Winder (photo attached of some of the gantries). What appear to be spaced ventilation openings in the sides and the accordian structure between car pairs have led to speculation that they are, in fact, mobile prison facilities being kept ready to incarcerate -- and, some, believe, execute en-route -- those involved in civil unrest and riots should order break down here. That would make these transports very akin to the cattle cars the Nazi used in transporting Jews and others to the camps. Can you send me a photo showing THESE cars being used in a vehicle transportation application? It would go a long way toward improving UP's perception by some members of the public.
Allison, This is my second request for a photo of the AutoMax automotive carriers showing them being loaded or holding vehicles. The photo below is the type of cars to which I refer.
SINCE THAT SECOND INQUIRY ON 5/20, NOTHING FROM UNION PACIFIC!
QUESTION: I'm certain we have some railroad buffs on FR. Can any of YOU furnish us a photo or photos of these cars LOADING or UNLOADING the vehicles UP purports to be their function???
Open-sided car carriers are going the way of the dodo due to vandalism.
BNSF and KCS Auto-Max car carriers. Others use them. Just Google image search “automax car carriers”.
“In 1999 Gunderson (a subsidy of Greenbrier Inc.) began producing a revolutionary new car that is at the cutting edge of railroad technology. With the catchy name, Auto-Max, these cars are unmistakable and have been turning the heads of both railfans and model railroaders alike. The sheer mass of this two-unit articulated car has all the subtly of a rolling barn. At 20’ 2” tall and 145’ 4” long, this is one of the largest car on the rails today. “
Pics of same: http://www.trainweb.org/funnelfan/automax.htm
Not sure why they are making new car carriers. There are a huge quantity of them sitting on tracks adjacent to the GM plant Windsor township, Michigan
The GM plant itself having a huge quantity of new vehicles sitting on the grounds. And at, at least, one rented space in Lansing.
42.680007 -84.686073 I do think that there are even more cars parked there than there were when Bing took a picture.
My uncle was a freight conductor for the UP many years ago. He said the problem with hauling cars in open rail cars is that bums would get in the car and ride the rails in air-conditioned comfort.
Ignorant to suggest the paranoia is unjustified.
If I can’t see in it, it’s anti-American.
They are for you, me, and any other number of undesirables.
Thanks, that’s the photo Union Pacific failed to send me. Feel a bit relieved.
Of course, they COULD do double duty if necessary.
AMEN, bro!
You might also find the information from the manufacturer of these prison cars of interest: Greembrial-Gundersen AutoMax prison cars.
And if you really want the inside scoop you could check out the technical bulletin detailing all the important details of height, width, length, weight, and prospective capacity of prisoners.. It is available in PDF form at this link.
Those are the Thrall cars, plants for which I’ve supplied crane systems. They now have metal siding to protect the cargo from trackside vandals.
LITTLE PEOPLE, UNITE!!
To all who responded, thanks!
It would’ve been better for the country if that particular carrier had derailed. :-D
I haven't seen an open-sided car carrier in use on the rails since around 1990. Stealthy shipments of military vehicles using the covered rail cars are certainly a possibility. Using them as cattle cars to the "re-education" camps... not so much (boxcars are better suited). Still, it's something to take notice of.
You are welcome. As well cattle cars could do double duty.
i believe this is what’s standing out for DB:
“the accordian structure between car pairs”
he has a point. if it was just car transport, there’d be no reason for such connectors. just seal the cars.
They are car haulers. Now if you see shackles hanging out the door or something get back to us. :-)
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