Back to EBTrr.com Boxcar Converted to Handicapped-Accessible Open Car


One of five cars pulled from long lines of stored EBT freight cars in the Rockhill yard in 2006, boxcar 168 (built 1920 by EBT) was converted to a handicapped accessible open car, similar to boxcar #175.

During the spring of 2006, a flatcar (now restored), and two hopper cars (one restored) were removed from the south end of track three after enough track was cleared on the main to do so. Later on in December, two boxcars (168 and 174) were removed from tracks in the main part of the yard near the shops.

It was decided that #168 would be converted to an open car, adding much needed seating capacity and reducing the dependancy on the antique 1880s passenger equipment, while #174 would be restored at a later time.

The work began by removing the freight doors, cutting out the side sheets between post, cutting door openings in the ends, and removing the flooring. The failing metal roof was removed and the wood underneith covered in new plywood. A rubber roof was applied to protect the wood. One of the bolsters was found to be in poor condition so it was cut back to solid steel and new steel welded on to reconstruct it. Additional reinforcing gussets were added to structural seams. [FEBT Timber Transfer V24 N3]

The donated battery-powered wheelchair lift was installed at the left rear corner. A solar panel charges the battery.


1/11/2007: Boxcar #168 is seen on the escape track next to the turntable
after being removed from the out-of-service tracks in the Rockhill yard.

5/6/2007: The work crew wasted no time cutting the sides
of the car open and starting the roof overhangs.

8/19/2007: The car has been moved to the concrete
pad outside the FEBT restoration shop.

6/6/2008: Some wooden trim has been added and some
primer has been applied to the metal.

10/12/2008: FEBT finished boxcar #168 just in time
for it to be used during the 2008 Fall Spectacular.

10/12/2008: Here is a closer photo of the
wheelchair lift donated for the project.


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