Pullman Standard 5344 Cu/Ft Boxcar...

[sizemore]

What were the earliest dates that these were produced? Can't seem to find anything online.

Thanks,
The S.

[GaryHinshaw]

A decent, though somewhat inefficient, source for info like this is RailcarPhotos.  For the photos that have build dates listed, they were all in the range mid-1977 to 1981.  No doubt someone here is more complete info though.

07/1977: http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=58172
08/1977: http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=58172
05/1978: http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=31746

-gfh

[sizemore]

Thanks Gary, I'm finding roughly the same. I was hoping I could stretch it a bit and get at least '72-'73. I wonder if there is a PS car that's very similar that would allow me to stretch the date back a bit.

The S.

[cv_acr]

There is nothing else that has the distinctive round eaves of the PS 5344...

[sizemore]

There is nothing else that has the distinctive round eaves of the PS 5344...

Can you go into detail/provide pictures?

Thanks,
The S.

[cv_acr]

Can you go into detail/provide pictures?

Thanks,
The S.

Just look at the roof. The way the roof edges curve down and drop about a foot and a half to the actual eave is distinct to this model. That's the signature feature that makes the 5344 so recognizable. No other car has a roof like it.

http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=31746

[sirenwerks]

I'm sure these cars began construction in 1977 when the incentive per diem rates changed and shortlines were buying up new cars to throw on the mainlines.

[sizemore]

I'm sure these cars began construction in 1977 when the incentive per diem rates changed and shortlines were buying up new cars to throw on the mainlines.

So without being EXACT in every dimension whats the next closest car in that would've fit as last as '72?

The S.

[cv_acr]

Intermountain has a P-S 5277 boxcar in both HO and N that's good for at least as far back as 1974 for some roads. Not too sure about 1972 though. Maybe not.

The P-S 5077 is almost the same but 6 inches shorter (plate B car vs. plate C), so the Intermountain could stand in for that if you're not picky, but again, not sure when production started on that.

Late 1960s cars were all still inside-post (smoothside). Exterior-post (ribbed) designs were mid-1970s+

The P-S 5344 by FVM, Athearn or Exactrail (depending on your scale and preference) really cannot stand in for anything else because that flat roof with the curved sides is absolutely UNIQUE. Nevermind minor dimensions.

[cv_acr]

I think that MicroTrains FMC boxcar represents a plate B FMC 5077 which is an early 1970s design. Atlas has announced this car for HO.

The FVM (N) or Athearn (HO) FMC 5347 is a late 1970s car contemporary to the P-S 5344.

[wcfn100]

Late 1960s cars were all still inside-post (smoothside). Exterior-post (ribbed) designs were mid-1970s+

What cars are you talking about?  There were certainly outside post cars in the 60's. 


Jason

[cv_acr]

Sorry, I guess you're right. Stil sort of a late 1960s thing though I think.

I keep being influenced by the fact that as late as 1969 Canadian builders were still building riveted inside-post boxcars for newsprint service. Even through the early 1970s they were still building interior-post wood-lined boxcars for paper service.

Certainly the P-S 5344 is not a 1960s car though.

[wazzou]

The Northern Pacific was building exterior post boxcars in large quantities as early as 1962.