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Caption: I am just putting this image out to the group in order that perhaps I could get some information on this car. I have not seen another one like it, and this image is 47 years old. Not sure of the location either, but I was out west at the time and I believe this was at Medicine Hat, as I shot other photos there. Can anyone identify this as to number of them, what was it originally, why styled in this manner and what became of them? I have nothing to go by, and my 1968 Equipment guide has tank cars numbered up to 389989; but no mention of a 389995.
The 1975 Guide shows this as one of 4 'tank cars' left in a series 389990-389995; but for water ?? THANKS
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I would suggest it is in Engineering MoW Service used to hold potable water for use in camp cars on a work crew. Prior to more modern insulated & heated tank cars for transporting water for work crews, a number of different cars were employed for the purpose, including retired steam engine tenders.
Also, back in the classic era, some locations required water to be delivered for various reasons. The Reston Manitoba station gardens were were watered with “imported” water in cars like these.
These appear to be oil tanks used to convert coal-fired steam locomotives to oil-fired. They were simply dropped into the coal bunker! They are upside down here.
Thanks for that Mr. Kennedy. Looking closer I see faded stenciling referencing the tanks former life as a diesel fuel reservoir. Knowing that, the current ‘Water Service Only’ stencil would likely relegate it to a supply car for steam powered equipment (cranes, etc.), and not as a potable water supply for work crews.
Reference to the conversion of coal fired locomotives to oil fired is referenced in an article at:
https://rapidotrains.com/hudson-master-class
Judging by the 11-58 conversion date, I think this car came from the CP 388000-388014 series of “Fuel Oil Tank” cars, which (according to a 1965 CP freight equipment list) were 39’11″ flatcars “equipped with two locomotive tender tanks” (noted as having a variety of two-tank combinations). As of 1965 there were 15 cars in the series.
At least some became 415000-series “Water Cars”, it’s possible this one and others got slotted into the 389990-95 series for fuel service before becoming water cars.
Thanks for that additional detail MrDan. Even after 48 years in railroading I still enjoy learning more about equipment and rolling stock, and how it went through life from new and revenue generating, to second and third lives in MoW and other company service.