Weaver is putting out a new set of Milwaukee Road boxcars. I need some expertise to explain some of the differences. #1 What does the wide yellow stripe along the side denote? #2 What does the yellow door only denote? #3 What is a Spartan Easy Loader door? #4 What does LRD on door mean? #5 What does a corrugated door and a ribbbed door look like and what is the difference and significance? I thank all in advance for your replies. MilwRdPaul
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...#4 What does LRD on door mean? ...
Load Restraining Devices (LRD) were moveable walls that could be locked into place to handle shifting loads.
Paul
The yellow stripe or door is to indicate a car with devices designed to protect lading from shifting in transit and prevent damage.
There were many such devices marketed in the in 50s and 60s. In addition to Spartan Easy Loader there were the Pacific Car and Foundry CarPak and Evans Damage Free DF and DF2 devices. All used belts or movable bulkheads to prevent shifting. Cars with load restraining devices of these various types received the AAR mechanical classification of XML as apposed to the XM class for standard box cars.
The loader equipped paint schemes on the Weaver 40 foot cars are not quite accurate. Only the later 40 and 50 foot ribbed side box cars got rebuilt with load restraining devices. The early 40 footers like the Weaver model stayed as standard general service box cars.
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