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Looking for the prototypes on Roundhouse Hi-cube boxcars Locos and rolling stock
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Active Member 51 posts green_elite_cab Active Member 51 posts
green_elite_cab

Hi guys,

I ended up with a pair of MDC Roundhouse 50' Hi-cube boxcars painted for Conrail.  One is ribbed with a single door, and incorrectly numbered as an X58 boxcar,  and the other is smooth sided with an offeset double door, incorrectly numbered as a 60' auto parts car that it doesn't really resemble.

My guess is that Conrail didn't own many cars of this type, if at all, because I can't find a photo of any Hi-cube cars that aren't 60' or 86' auto parts cars.

Being a relatively positive person though, I suspect these cars still fit my era (1979), but might just need a new paint job. 

Does anyone know the specific prototype of these cars?

Thanks,

Chris

Christian Brown,
New Jersey Under Wire June 1979
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jimfitch Prolific poster 5,268 posts
jimfitch

The MDC hi-cube 50' box car

The MDC hi-cube 50' box car has been discussed on several forums and in every case, feedback indicates there is no known prototype for them.  I googled and found the discussions - everyone believes they are fantasy box cars.

Some years ago I had an SP painted version of the offset double door h-cube and never found a prototype matching it, nor prototypes in Jim Eagers Rio Grande Color Guide for the two MDC hi-cubes painted or orange D&RGW - one had the single plug door and ribs and the other was the smooth side with single plug door.  All those were fantasy I concluded after research.  I sold off all of my MDC hi-cubes as I prefer to spend my limited resources and funds on cars matching prototypes where possible and minimize even "stand-ins".

.

Jim Fitch
northern VA
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bobby pitts Regular poster 339 posts
bobby pitts

MDC BOX CARS

Jim is dead on, they are phoney as can be!

 

Regards

Bobby Pitts
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