RDG Co., Covered Hopper, Class LOc, #79262

At Leesport, PA, 2002. (photo courtesy Mike Shirk)

Rebuilt and shortened from class HTl and Htn 4-bay hoppers, numbered 79250-79349. At one time there were plans to make three bay hoppers in this format, but that did not develop beyond the proposal stage. These cars featured a cushioned Duryea frame. Restored gray with roman lettering to be added.*


RDG Co., Covered Hopper, Class LOg, #79787

At Leesport, PA. (photo courtesy Paul Ganter, MP&RE Collection)

In 1956, Reading received the first 150 cars classed LOg. These cars were products of the American Car and Foundry and were their model CH-29 (Covered Hopper, 29' inside length). The hatches are circular, which would be the trend until development of the trough hatch (opening on the center towards the end). As many as 108 cars of this class were lined for sugar loading (denoted by the yellow stripe and blue panel) at one time, later assigned to grain. With the formation of Conrail, fifty of this class migrated to the Delaware & Hudson. As late as January 1989, one of this class was still on the revenue roster, carrying RDG reporting marks. Our example has been restored gray with speed lettering.*[1]


RDG Co., Covered Hopper, Class LOfx, #93533

At Temple, PA, 1998. (photo courtesy Charles Murphy, Jr., MP&RE collection)

In January of 1997, we purchased Reading two-bay hopper #93533. This car was originally used for hauling various bulk commodities, under the class LOf. It was later one of 18 cars converted to class LOfx, and used to haul locomotive sand from southern New Jersey. Conrail was still using the car in this service until just weeks before we acquired it.

Our research makes us fairly certain this was the very first car painted in READING speed lettering. We are very pleased to add this car to our growing collection of historic freight equipment.

Notes:
*(info courtesy RDG Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment by Craig T. Bossler) (last updated: 7/03)