Freight
Reading Company Covered Hopper, Class LOg, #79787
Background & History
In February & March of 1956, Reading Company received the first 150 covered Hoppers classed Log. These cars were products of the American Car & Foundry and were their model CH-29 (Covered Hopper 29’ inside length). Readings dimensions of the car showed a length of 29’ 3”, rated at 70 tons, and capable of carrying 2006 cu. ft. The second batch of 100 cars arrived in June & July of 1957. Class LOg ended up with 250 cars assigned numbers 79650 thru 79899.
The roof hatches are circular in design which would become the trend until development of the trough hatch (opening from the center to the car end). A batch of 15 cars (including car # 79787) were sent out to be equipped with a plastic lining for Bulk Sugar Service in January of 1956. Later as many as 108 cars of this class were lined for sugar service.
Covered Hopper #79787 at Leesport, PA.
(Photo courtesy of Paul Gantner, MP&RE Collection)
With the formation of Conrail, fifty of this class migrated to the Delaware & Hudson. Our car #79787 went on to serve in Conrail becoming Conrail 880666 as their class number CR71A. As late as January 1989, one of this class was still on the revenue service roster, and carrying RDG reporting marks.
Note the Yellow Stripe, and the Blue Panel in the first photo. These designated the car as having the plastic lining installed for sugar service.
We purchased the car from Conrail. Plans call for the car to be repainted into its original paint and “Speed Lettering” scheme.