Hi guys,
In 1979, Railroad Model Craftsman magazine printed 4 different information sheets as centerfold pull-outs in their magazine for that year. They covered measurements, engines, cars & appliances, track, general history, etc. from 1795 to 1978. I looked through the cars & appliances sheets and found the following:
1903- Bettendorf Axle Co. originates the cast one-piece
truck sideframe
1940- Archbar trucks are prohibited in interchange as of
July 1
1953- Bettendorf T or L-section trucks banned from
interchange
1966- ICC allows railroads to eliminate roofwalks from
freight cars and lower brakewheels
1972- all cars having journals 6 1/2 x 11" or larger
must have roller bearings
1974- gross rail load exceeding 55,000 lbs. per axle
must be equipped with roller bearings
I have personally seen most roofwalks removed by 1990 with the exception of CP Rail 40' boxcars and all American RR 40' boxcars were gone by the late 1980- Canadian 40' boxcars lasted until 1995
As for roller bearing trucks, I cannot find much info on types. The Walthers catalog and Kadees list roller bearing and Barber roller bearing trucks. I believe the Barbers are for 70 ton rating. My observations also: as cars were shopped after the beginning of 1968, roofwalks came off, brake wheels were lowered, ladders were shortened to 4 rungs and Bettendorf trucks were replaced with roller bearing type. Some gondolas were still rolling along with Bettendorfs in the 1980's and early 1990's.
Hope this helps everyone.
Tommy
