Someone told me the thingy on the side of some freight cars is a bar code (see picture). The railroads have bar code scanners and use this to track where cars are at. Is that true? If so when was this put into practice?
Also if I wanted to remove it on various cars I have, not this one, any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
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The KarTrak ACI system was fully implemented in 1967, discontinued in 1977. Once the labels got dirty or damaged, they were rendered useless.
Rusty
The ACI lables were left on cars until they were repainted or retired. There are still a few labels on old freight cars in service today. They are not easy to find anymore. The freight cars with bar codes are being retired gradually.
Andrew
Rusty and Falconservice thanks for the info.
Miss those labels. Added character.
What, me worry?
If you have a 1970's era freight car for roads like the Chessie System, Penn Central, Norfolk and Western, Illinois Central Gulf, Western Pacific, Rio Grande, The Rock, or SOUTHERN then the ACI lables would be appropriate.
Andrew
Cover the lables with "dirt" or paint.
Andrew
Here are photos of an ACF COALVEYOR gondola with an ACI label taken this afternoon. The NEW date is in 1979.
Andrew
if you look in the second photo down you will see a gray bar like object below the old ACI label , that is the modern day version in use now. it is an RFDI tag same thing as the easy pass on your car.
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