Comments on: A work train was parked on the Redwater elevator track for a couple weeks in 1987. Rehab work was being done on the track north of town. Couldn’t resist taking a photo of this old box converted to a Heat and Office Supply car. The heat part makes sense with the neighbouring bunk cars, the office supply leaves me scratching my head. Maybe there is a lot of paper work to do when upgrading track. It’s the upright brake wheel that gets a 10 out of 10 on my list. :-)

By: Brundle

Brundle — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 17:06:56 +0000

Thanks for the info Paul. I was not at all sure as to whether that was an H or an M on the supply car (not really clear on the slide). So I went with an H as there are 3 chimneys on the roof, thinking there may be a diesel generator on board for light and heating. Your explanation makes perfect sense, not office supplies, rather, a car with a small office and groceries to feed the gang. This was the only interesting car in the lot, the rest were the white trailers on flat cars. I will check, I believe I took a photo of the potable water tank, which does not quite have the interest as this old box.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 15:43:56 +0000

That’s a great shot Seth! CN 63505 is an old red fleet Meat, Office & Supply car sandwiched between two more modern (at the time) white fleet cars. The Meat, Office & Supply car was usually marshalled next to the kitchen car for easy access by the gang cook to fresh meat and other cooking supplies. The small ‘office’ portion of the car (a desk) was used to do paperwork required when ordering, stocking, and keeping track of groceries on the crew. I would sure like to see any other photos of the gang consist you may have taken that day. I have several other photos of old red fleet Meat, Office & Supply cars if you are interested.