The 6314, while still in existence, was partially destroyed several years
ago when the new ash pit was constructed at Chama, New Mexico, on the Cumbres
and Toltec Scenic Railroad. Several large pieces of concrete from the old
ash pit were loaded onto the car for disposal. This proved to be too much
for the old car, and the left side sill on the the B end gave way and collapsed.
The car was taken out of service, and the trucks were removed and placed under
a 6600 series flatcar also on the C&TS.
Today the car sits on the ground, minus its trucks below the coal
tower, in the area where the sheep dipping plant was originally. To my knowledge
there are no plans to repair the car and return it to operation, although
given its rarity, it would seem to be an ideal candidate.
In this section there are photographs of this car as it appeared in the
summer of 1999, and some black and white photos that show the car as it appeared
on the C&TS before the accident.
As with most wooden freight cars, there are many small differences between
the two existing cars. The two existing cars probably differ slightly from
the rest of the cars in the series also. The location of the rail clamps and
the stake pockets seems to vary from car to car and even from side to side.
There are two locations where the retainer appears. On the 6314 the retainer
is on the left side of the car. 6314 also has unusual brackets on the side
and end of the car. The date these brackets were installed and their purpose
are unknown. The car also has a series of cleats nailed to the deck of the
car, near the center. It appears that some of the grab irons were removed
when these brackets were installed. This perhaps indicates the car was being
used in MOW services when this was done, as it would no longer be legal for
revenue service. If anyone knows the reason for these brackets, please get
in touch with me.
Because these black and white photos are the only ones I have that show
the entire car, I have elected to show them with out all of the comments and
arrows that are in the detail shots. These photos were shot a number of years
on the Cumbers & Toltec Scenic Railroad, and they show the car as it appeared
in happier days.
Good overall shot of the 6314, where the long and low appearance of the
car is very evident. Notice that it is lettered C&TS at this time, and
it is lettered showing a capacity of 50,000 lbs., down from its original capacity
of 60,000 lbs. which was with out the reinforcing rail. This is the right
side of the car, and the photo shows that there are no brackets at this time.
Another overall shot, probably taken a year or two after the first, despite
the D&RGW lettering. Notice that the retainer is located in the middle
on the left side. Also notice that there is no special bracket on this side,
but there is one seen on the A end. The rail car which was on the flat
in the first picture in now seen on the track behind it.
A end of the car clearly shows the special brackets that had been added
to the car. It also shows that the grab irons have been removed.
Another shot of the A end. It is possible to see the rectangular truss
rod washers under the brackets and that the deck originally covered the end
beam, but that it has been broken back at this time.
A close up showing the wooden cleats that have been nailed to the floor.
This is the right side of the car, and it clearly shows the special brackets
that have been attached to the side sill.
A close up showing the lettering on the side sill and the angled rail
clamp going around the needle beam.
