Fallen Flag Freight Cars
The railroad landscape is in a state of constant change with the new replacing the old on an almost daily basis. Although most of the focus is on locomotives, the freight car rosters that ply America's rails have changed dramatically as well. It was not that long ago that freight cars were rolling billboards representing the many Class I railroads that once existed.
Today, most of the cars are owned by leasing companies and the distinct logos of past railroads have been replaced by the rather generic four letter identification followed by a number. There are still a number of cars out there with CSX, NS, BNSF, and UP reporting marks but the real challenge is to find cars still lettered for their predecessors although many of these now have leaser marks. Additionally, their numbers continue to dwindle due to repaints and retirements and, unfortunately, the graffiti so prevalent in today's world does not escape these older cars, either. Finding a "clean" car is becoming more scarce by the day.
Assembled below is a sampling of "fallen flag " cars that I have photographed throughout the years in various states of condition. As I find more of these either still on the rails or in my collection, they will be added or rotated here.
Today, most of the cars are owned by leasing companies and the distinct logos of past railroads have been replaced by the rather generic four letter identification followed by a number. There are still a number of cars out there with CSX, NS, BNSF, and UP reporting marks but the real challenge is to find cars still lettered for their predecessors although many of these now have leaser marks. Additionally, their numbers continue to dwindle due to repaints and retirements and, unfortunately, the graffiti so prevalent in today's world does not escape these older cars, either. Finding a "clean" car is becoming more scarce by the day.
Assembled below is a sampling of "fallen flag " cars that I have photographed throughout the years in various states of condition. As I find more of these either still on the rails or in my collection, they will be added or rotated here.
Revenue Service
Although the motive power is the star of the show while train watching, don't overlook what is behind those locomotives. There are still some freight car gems from days gone by to be seen out there. Get them while you still can.
Caboose
The caboose is in a category by itself both on this page and in the literal sense. By far the most common car for preservation or restoration, this gallery includes ones sighted still in service at the time, museum pieces, or on static display.
