O Scale Boxcars

When you think “rail car,” chances are your mind’s eye pictures a boxcar. Featured in books, movies and television, boxcars may be one of the most iconic pieces of railroad equipment and are certainly the most recognizable. Perhaps that’s because boxcars are one of the oldest rail car types, appearing first in the 1830s. For over a century, boxcars were used to ship most non-bulk freight (even cars!). That changed in the 1960s, when more specialized cars came on the market that catered better to specific types of freight. Even so, boxcars continue to play an important role in shipping all sorts of freight, from paper to canned goods to appliances.

What Can You Ship in a Boxcar?

Boxcars are very versatile and can carry most kinds of freight. Because they are enclosed, boxcars are used to carry loads that require protection from the weather. Common products shipped in boxcars include:nForest products, Paper, Pulp, Automotive parts, Newsprint, Rolled paper, Building materials, Palletized goods, Appliances, Food products, Canned goods, Beverages, Grain, Bagged flour, Bagged agricultural products, Consumer products, Metal products, Manufactured goods just to name a few!

Adding to their versatility, boxcars can be insulated, refrigerated and cushioned to protect contents of all types from damage or temperature extremes during transit.

Source: Union Pacific Website