Ted Doskaris said:
David,
As to using roller bearing trucks on the USAT 70 ton hopper; it’s a real dilemma! On the one hand as the car is decorated, yes; it’s appropriate; but given the car itself is based on and scaled to the 1950s era prototype being a shorter car than the ones with roller bearing trucks - not to mention the number of braces, the friction bearing trucks are appropriate.
-Ted
Well…Sort of. Roller bearing trucks were mandated in the late 60’s. Different weights cars had different mandatory dates. By the time ACI plates had become mandated, all freight cars in interchange service were to have roller bearing trucks. But roller bearing trucks first came into use in the 1930’s IIRC. So while they weren’t common in the 1950’s, some cars were riding on roller bearing trucks in the 50’s.
Also, if the car was in deed a 1950’s era car, if it lasted till the ACI plates came into use, it would have had to have roller bearing trucks put under it. And since freight cars usually have a lifespan of 40 years (or more), its plausible that it is a 1950’s era car, that has survived into the next era. Except for one pesky detail. Painted on the side of the car is “NEW 1-72”.
Ok. I am done picking nits, for now.