Shippensburg Township in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Penn Central Boxcar

Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum

— Cumberland Valley Rails-to-Trails —

Penn Central Boxcar Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 24, 2024

1. Penn Central Boxcar Marker

Inscription.

Penn Central Boxcar. Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum. , This model 857B boxcar was built in 1956 by the New York Central Railroad (NYC) to haul automobiles. It was painted and reconditioned in 1975 by the Penn Central Transportation Company (PC)., Industrial Heritage: , In 1978, this boxcar was purchased by the Domestic Pump Company and moved to a siding near Queen Street where it was used for storage. Following the company's bankruptcy and the demolition of much of the site, the boxcar was saved from destruction by Randy Anderson and Greg Dahbura of Hub Scrap Metals, Inc., who recognized its historical significance. The car was donated by the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation and moved to its present site by Dave's Truck Repair in 2017., A Story Written In Metal ,

1. Brake system The angle cock and air hoses are part of the brake system. Notice the embedded piece of wood - a reminder of the years this car spent abandoned and overgrown. , 2. Hand brake Lowered in 1975 to allow access from the ground. , 3. Upper portion of ladders Removed during reconditioning in 1975. , 4. Coupler The couplers on either end remained unpainted to make sure any potential cracks in the metal could be easily detected. , 5. Doors The 857B series featured offset double doors on either side and a reinforced deck along with a pulley system that allowed vehicles to be stored in a near vertical position., 6. Original number The boxcar's original NYC number can still be seen on the frame underneath the doors. , 7. Information panels This car was built in East Rochester's Despatch Shops, reconditioned in the Samuel Rea Shops in Hollidaysburg and had its last inspection in 1977. , 8. Carrying capacity and weight The letters and numbers detail carrying capacity, maximum weight when loaded and unloaded weight. , 9. Boxcar dimensions The car's interior and exterior dimensions. , 10. Air reservoir Part of the air brake system. , 11. New defect card holder Added in December 1975; the original version is located nearby. , 12. Trucks Replaced in December 1975 (notice they are stamped 10-75); the bearings were repacked, and the air breaks cleaned, oiled, tested, and stenciled (COTS).

This model 857B boxcar was built in 1956 by the New York Central Railroad (NYC) to haul automobiles. It was painted and reconditioned in 1975 by the Penn Central Transportation Company (PC).

Industrial Heritage:
In 1978, this boxcar was purchased by the Domestic Pump Company and moved to a siding near Queen Street where it was used for storage. Following the company's bankruptcy and the demolition of much of the site, the boxcar was saved from destruction by Randy Anderson and Greg Dahbura of Hub Scrap Metals, Inc., who recognized its historical significance. The car was donated by the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation and moved to its present site by Dave's Truck Repair in 2017.

A Story Written In Metal

1. Brake system The angle cock and air hoses are part of the brake system. Notice the embedded piece of wood - a reminder of the years this car spent abandoned and overgrown.
2. Hand brake Lowered in 1975 to allow access from the ground.
3. Upper portion of ladders Removed during reconditioning in 1975.
4. Coupler The couplers on either end remained unpainted to make sure any potential cracks in the metal could be easily detected.
5. Doors The 857B series featured offset double doors
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on either side and a reinforced deck along with a pulley system that allowed vehicles to be stored in a near vertical position.

6. Original number The boxcar's original NYC number can still be seen on the frame underneath the doors.
7. Information panels This car was built in East Rochester's Despatch Shops, reconditioned in the Samuel Rea Shops in Hollidaysburg and had its last inspection in 1977.
8. Carrying capacity and weight The letters and numbers detail carrying capacity, maximum weight when loaded and unloaded weight.
9. Boxcar dimensions The car's interior and exterior dimensions.
10. Air reservoir Part of the air brake system.
11. New defect card holder Added in December 1975; the original version is located nearby.
12. Trucks Replaced in December 1975 (notice they are stamped 10-75); the bearings were repacked, and the air breaks cleaned, oiled, tested, and stenciled (COTS).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1975.

Location. 40° 3.239′ N, 77° 31.314′ W. Marker is near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It is in Shippensburg Township. Marker is on Cumberland Valley Rail

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Trail north of West Fort Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 51 E Fort St, Shippensburg PA 17257, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Railroad Signaling (a few steps from this marker); Experience the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Conrail Boxcar (within shouting distance of this marker); One-Room Schoolhouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); B&O Coal Hopper (about 600 feet away); "On This Site" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Delivering An Education (approx. ¼ mile away); Lifeline of the Valley: The Cumberland Valley Railroad (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shippensburg.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 44 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on March 1, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

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