SOUTHERN PACIFIC
STEEL SIDE REBUILT BOX CARS
Class
B-50-12-A
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In 1949, the Southern Pacific, at its Sacramento shops, began a rebuilding into modern all steel cars of 1,000 USRA box cars originally delivered in 1919. Inside height was increased from 9' to 10'-6". Inside width was increased from 8'-6" to 9'-4". The Southern Pacific Class B-50-12-A cars had post-war lightweight Youngstown corrugated doors, but retained Andrews trucks. AB brakes were applied as was an Ajax brake wheel. In a feature unique to this group of cars, the Southern Pacific applied an unusual 3/5/4/5 Murphy end which, when combined with the deep recessed side sills, gave the B-50-12-A's a unique appearance.
2512.1 SP Class B-50-12-A Steel Side Rebuilt Box Car. Unique as was the case with many railroad home shop rebuilds, this class is significant to Southern Pacific enthusiasts inasmuch as there were more than 600 steel rebuilds operating in 1950, yet more in 1951, and still 197 in regular service in 1960. Challenger's project will provide a choice of not less than 10 road numbers.
Prototype photo from the collection of the California State Railroad Museum.