Altoona in Blair County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Scale Test Weight Car
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 6, 2009
1. Scale Test Weight Car Marker
One of the more unusual pieces of railroad equipment is the "scale test weight car" such as displayed here. Railroads charged their customers based upon the weight of goods shipped. After a car was loaded, the railroad moved the car to a railroad yard where the car would be weighed on a large scale. In order to assure the accuracy of the scale, railroads constructed test weight cars. This car, constructed in the Pennsylvania Railroad Altoona Works in 1906, weighs 30,000 pounds (15 tons). The accuracy of scale test weight cars was assured by certification on a "master scale" several times a year. Car weight was adjusted by addition or removal of lead weights. Conrail maintains a fleet of several scale test weight cars, though the typical car is now 80,000 pounds. The Conrail system "master scale" is located in the Conrail Juniata complex.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 40° 30.794′ N, 78° 24.04′ W. Marker is in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in Blair County. Marker is on 9th Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Marker is adjacent to
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pennsylvania Railroad Shops (within shouting distance of this marker); PRR Class D78F Dining Car No. 4468 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Posy Gang (about 400 feet away); PRR Class X29L Steel Boxcar No. 2136 (about 400 feet away); The Master Mechanic (about 400 feet away); PRR Class N5 Cabin Car (or Caboose) No. 477577 (about 400 feet away); PRR Express Refrigerator Car No. 2561 (about 400 feet away); Track Cars (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Altoona.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 6, 2009
2. Scale Test Weight Car and Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 6, 2009
3. Scale Test Weight Car and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 734 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 20, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
