RDG Co. Tool Car, Class BAmx, #90685

At Leesport, PA (#90865 is on left).

Background & History

A complete wreck train consisted of a locomotive, a wreck crane, tool cars, and enough bunk and cook cars for personnel required for a particular wreck. Wreck cranes and tool cars were often stationed at strategic points along the railway line. Division terminals were considered strategic points because locomotives and engine, train, and wreck car crews were always available on call. Wreck train equipment had to be prepared for immediate movement. Ties, rails, spikes, and other repair materials are stockpiled at various points. An emergency supply of such items were also loaded in suitable cars and held with each wrecker as part of the wreck train.

Our tool car is from the “relief train” (as the Reading preferred) that was once stationed at Reading, PA. It will be part of our authentic recreated Reading relief train which will consist of the following:

Restoration


This photo shows the car shortly after arrival from Conrail in 1993. Although the exterior had solid paint, the baggage doors were in very poor shape, and the interior had severe paint flaking problems.


During restoration, Leesport, PA. (photo courtesy Tim Weidner)


In September 1998, the car’s paint job was nearing completion. The yellow patch in the lower right of the car side is where the class lettering will go. Yellow is painted on first, then green is painted around the outlines of the letters.

 
  (last updated: 4/03)