ROADRAILERS, PT1

A train of RoadRailers rolls through Hillsdale...

5115, an ex-Conrail SD80MAC, leads the train through Hillsdale Yard. There are several types of RoadRailers as well as multiple paint schemes in this train; let's take a look...

The predominant type of RoadRailer in the train is the plate-wall version, seen here. This is the original lettering scheme for the AP&W's units: however, note that the road number is not AAR standard; there should be a "46" prefix, denoting that the trailer is a 53' RoadRailer unit.

This is another variant of the AP&W scheme; conspicuity striping and a "53'x102"" label on the side. Note, however, that the "APWZ" marks are absent, and the road number is still non-standard.

The "APWZ" marks are back, with a different striping pattern, but still, the non-standard road number.

A variation; a smooth-sided RoadRailer. This is actually an insulated unit. Note the grey underframe, 2-hole Budd wheels (versus the standard 5-hole), and plenty of conspicuity striping -even up the ends and at the top of the trailer! It also has both the Wabash logo at the rear, and a "53" at the front, indicating trailer length -but no reporting marks or number on the sides (government regulators will have a field day!).

Another insulated RoadRailer is this CIE unit. While it doesn't have striping, it does at least have reporting marks and an AAR-Compliant road number.
More styles -including refrigerated units- will be seen next week.