PRR/PC F36 / F36A flatcars info?

[randgust]

I figure somebody out there probably has the Morning Sun books on PRR and PC freight equipment.

I'm trying to get an understanding of the differences between the PRR F36 class and the PC F36A class and how that came about.  PRR car numbers on the F36 class appear to be 470208 to 470235; the PC F36A class appear to be 770500-770527 although only 12 show in 1974.

I'm just guessing that somewhere in there they got rebuilt from 250K capacity to 277K capacity and called class F36A, don't know when, or by whom, but I need verification, so this is the time for the real PRR / PC fans to step up.  I've got an amazing prize for the winner!

By the way, these are the 1941-built six-axle, clear-deck flatcars that sorta-kinda look like a DODX tank flatcar, and it even looks like they stole the design.   I'm guessing that was the primary mission for the cars - heavy military moves, particularly since the WWII build date.  I'd love to find a book photo of one loaded up with a WWII era load, if that exists.

[71jeep]

Did you see the new flat car book from thr PRRT&HS looks like a great source of info for ya and maybe it will have a pic with the load you are looking for.

And you could try Al Buchan of the PRRT&HS he may know I believe he the man to talk to about flat cars.

I am an SPF but am still learning sorry couldnt be of more help.



Allen.....

[up1950s]

I'll guess it's roller bearing trucks on the F36a as the F36 looks like the friction type in a drawing and photo .

F36    http://prr.railfan.net/photos/PRR_470207_F36_E12714_120640.jpg

[randgust]

I found that builders photo online OK.   It's the Morning Sun pictures I'm trying to locate.   I know they exist.

Also, anybody have a 1979 ORER that they can see how many F36A's were surviving?   I know there were 12 in 1974 and 1 in 1991....  anything inbetween would be useful.  Cars were stencilled PC 770500-770527

I've also found at least a good rumor that PRR actually shipped LOCOMOTIVES on them.

[asarge]

I have the Pennsy Color guides 1 and 3 (just got V1 last month) and the only picture I have found is in V3 with a tank car load. The cation confirms the build date and wright limit, mentions an all welded underframe, wood floor and buckeye trucks. Sorry I couldn't help.

[up1950s]

I have the Pennsy Color guides 1 and 3 (just got V1 last month) and the only picture I have found is in V3 with a tank car load. The cation confirms the build date and wright limit, mentions an all welded underframe, wood floor and buckeye trucks. Sorry I couldn't help.

Is it roller bearings ?

[randgust]

Did you see the new flat car book from thr PRRT&HS looks like a great source of info for ya and maybe it will have a pic with the load you are looking for.

And you could try Al Buchan of the PRRT&HS he may know I believe he the man to talk to about flat cars.

I am an SPF but am still learning sorry couldnt be of more help.

Allen.....

Al Buchan just DID get back to me through my contacts.   Holy smokes!  A PRR flatcar book?  That's what I'm talking about.   Text and photos on the way to me.

Consider this thread closed.... unbelievable.    Oh, and the lucky prize is..... one 'free' F36A flatcar!  I have one for donation, a museum has stepped up, they needed historic documentation before they could pursue it.  This closes the loop, I think. 

[71jeep]

I've got an amazing prize for the winner!

O boy did I win  ;D ;D



Glad I was little help  :



Allen.....