The Philadelphia Chapter of the

National Railway Historical Society

Established in 1936

On Friday June 17 2005 CSX train C746, the Lansdale PA/Philadelphia PA transfer job, picked up six CRDX (Chicago Freight Car Leasing Company) ballast cars that have been acquired by SEPTA and brought them to Lansdale. The cars appear to have been originally built by Pullman-Standard as Model PS-2 70 ton 34 foot covered hoppers, later modified for ballast service (basically cut off the roof and put new hopper doors in). Althought the cars are of similar design, there are slight variations as noted. As to their original as-built owners, some of the trucks are of AT&SF heritage.

Update: The prior assignment for these cars was hauling ballast for the track department of the Illinois Railway Museum located in Union IL, northwest of Chicago. No, they weren't museum exhibits, rather they were used for maintaining the right of way. The museum, in addition to displaying static pieces, is an operating museum with a 5-mile long mainline for steam, diesel and heavy electric trains, and the mile-long streetcar loop for trolleys (interurbans and EL cars operate on both lines).

CRDX 900133 Eight panels, rivets on end rib, Ladders on both ends, no top chord

All pictures June 17 2005 Copyright © 2005 John P. Almeida

Photographs for personal use only. All rights reserved by original owner of image. Reproduction or redistribution in any form without express written permission is prohibited.