| NP XML 1130 at Cicero, Illinois on an unknown day in October 1979, Kodachrome by Chuck Zeiler. The following is from the book, NP Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment, by Todd Sullivan: NP XML Series 1100-1289 - While some shippers wanted 40 foot DF boxcars, others wanted to take advantage of the more cost-effective rates for 50 foot cars. NP (1130) is from the first group of 50 foot DF cars converted by the NP at Brainerd in 1954-1956 from 31000 series 50 foot boxcars built in 1950. This series was one of the few large groups of DF cars with 190 cars, as most were built in small lots to satisfy the needs of specific customers and traffic. The DF medallion on the 8 foot door (missing in this photo) proclaims that it was equipped with a DF (Damage Free) loader. |