Boxcar Refurbishing Program
gives Paper Shipments a Face-Lift
The Car Maintenance shops in Waterville, Maine are giving the way Guilford Rail moves paper a make-over. As part of an on-going refurbishing program of our MEC (Maine Central) 29000 series box cars, a total of 221 Grade A cars used for paper loading will be refurbished. The maintenance shop has refurbished over 80 cars so far. The cars had previously been stored in the Waterville and Rigby yards. Over time, age and weathering wears down parts and creates edges and cracks that can lead to a damaged shipment or a safety hazard. The shop’s mission is to thoroughly inspect the boxcars and bring them back to standards.
As Guilford Rail Carman Ray Harding demonstrates, the boxcars are inspected for cracks and wear all around. Doors are checked for worn rubber gaskets as well as any dents that may prevent a door from securing properly. An iron stiffener is added to the door to provide reinforcement. Because of a roll of paper’s delicate makeup, the boxcars have especially smooth walls to prevent any edges from catching and damaging the product.
When a car is brought in its center plates and truck bolsters are inspected and may be welded and ground down by Carman Nick Cremonese.
Any faults found in the car’s flooring are replaced, sanded down and as Carman Tom Haurd demonstrates, sealed with Thompson’s Water Seal.
“We have a man stand inside each car and assure the door fits properly,” said Waterville Car Maintenance Manager Steve Berkshire. “There shouldn’t be any light coming in. If light can get in then so can water. These cars leave here water tight. Otherwise a few drops of rain can ruin a lot of paper.”
Approximatley 10 days later a finished product. Smoothed down, water tight and ready for a fresh coat of paint.