The backlog of boxcars needing finishing seems to keep growing. New needs keep popping up other than just general service. Copper ingots and copper anodes being among the newest equipment needs on the railroad. The discovery of high grade copper ore between Siete Madres and Borachon has meant a big increase in copper ingots and anodes heading east for further refining and Arizona Southern is returning to service a number of older boxcars once they have been upgraded to meet the demands of this service.
More insulated plug door boxcars are entering service as well, these find a home in food service as well as many other products where the climate of a reefer is not required, but a cleaner environment is still desired. One of these plug door cars is seen here being moved from the paint shop by borrowed motive power. This is a vented car to help with equalizing pressures when opening.
Here's a broadside shot of the newer graphics seen on all the post 1975 painted equipment.
The need for updated equipment never seems to end. As long as a need exists, this railroad intends to meet that need.
A Side Note:
If you look at Arizona Southern equipment over the decades, you'll note more than one "hue" of boxcar red in use. Not only do manufacturers and suppliers change up formulas, but we at the AZSO also buy up surplus paints from other railroads. Sometimes to finish a project we mix more than one paint brand to have enough to finish painting everything. It's called being frugal.
Write or comment if the mood strikes,
John Huey
A Side Note:
If you look at Arizona Southern equipment over the decades, you'll note more than one "hue" of boxcar red in use. Not only do manufacturers and suppliers change up formulas, but we at the AZSO also buy up surplus paints from other railroads. Sometimes to finish a project we mix more than one paint brand to have enough to finish painting everything. It's called being frugal.
Write or comment if the mood strikes,
John Huey
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