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For my model period (Late 40's, early 50's) I needed some early TOFC cars.  The model is of a D&RGW flat car that was converted to TOFC service in the early 1940's.  D&RGW converted five cars in this batch.   Although the exact date when the cars entered service is unknown we do know that car 21504 was destroyed in a wreck at Dell, Colorado on April 24, 1941.
 
My model is an extensively modified Berkshire Valley Models 50 foot flat car.  The fish belly sides were removed with a milling machine and the large Rio Grande name plate added with a piece of .020 polystyrene.  The kit deck was replaced with individual basswood 2 X 6 planks that were distressed and stained.  The bridge plates are modified Lionel plates (shortened) held upright by scratch built retainer bars.  The fifth wheel is also from Lionel.  The brake wheel stand was scratch built.  The stakes are Grand Line high side Gondola double bolt stakes that were shortened to hold the guard rails. The trailer is a made from a Berkshire Valley kit custom painted and weathered. 
 
 

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  • D&RGW 21500: D&RGW 21500 TOFC car with Rio Grande Motor Way 32 foot trailer.
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My Folio sheet says the car was built by Mount Vernon Car Manufacturing Company in 1926 and was rebuilt in 1941.  For one of these cars to be destroyed in a wreck in April 1941, I would think they may have entered in early 1941 or possibly late 1940.  A picture of 21504 ( the car wrecked) was in the Prospector Magazine with the folio sheet.  The car in the picture has two Safeway pulp trailers and has a bridge plate on one end only but was the full width of the car.   Picture (poor quality) is attached.

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  • D&RGW TOFC CAR

I did some checking in Jim Eager’s “Rio Grande Color Guide” published by Morning Sun; page 104 has a 1973 picture by John Tudek of one of these flats in MOW service. The text states that there were originally 7 of these converted from cut down 50 ft wood sheathed boxcars 21500-21506. The conversion to flats was in 40-41. The original boxcars were built in 1926. 

They were in “captive on-line service” and had steam and signal lines so they could be operated in passenger trains.

Somewhere there is a picture of one behind a Rio Grande steam locomotive, I don’t remember where I saw it.

 

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Ste 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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