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Boston & Maine 5100 Series Flat Cars

Index

Builder's Photo

Does one exist?

B&M Classification Card(s)

For more info on the classification cards and "webitizing" them, see this web page

From 1942 class book.

Click on image to see original scan at full resolution (or right-click → "Save Picture As" to download black and white image, to view it at full resolution)

From 1952 class book.
or NMRO (Scott Whitney) CDs/DVDs

Click on image to see original scan at full resolution (or right-click → "Save Picture As" to download black and white image, to view it at full resolution)

Specifications From Classification Cards

Spec Value
Builder B&M RR (Concord, NH shops) [from Commonwealth Steel parts]
Lot # 58
Car Numbers 5100-5103
Quantity 4
Build Date 1941 [1941-10 per disposition records]
AAR class FD
Lt Weight 70,600 lbs. (average)
Trucks C Stl sideframes [Cast steel?] Integ. Jour. Box AAR
Journals 6½" x 12" (160,000 lbs. nominal capacity)
Journal Box Lid Symington Gould Tor. Spring type
Springs AAR type P-2 with Frost snubber
Wheels 28" multiple wear W. Stl.
Side Bearings Plain cast iron
Hand Brake Two superior
Air Brake AB with two 7" x 12" cylinders
Body Center Plate Removable 14¾" dia.
Contour AAR
Coupler AAR type E, Swivel Butt E-61, Rot. Bot. Operated
Coupler Yoke AAR C Steel Horizontal
Draft Gear Miner A-22-XB, Farlow attachment
Brake Beam AAR #3
Brake Beam Safety Support Creco single
Brake Beam Hanger B&M (loop)
Brake Beam Hanger Ret. "Unit type"
Striking Plate Cast Integ.
Gen'l Arrgt. 5414-A-78
Bottom Rod (Schaefer)
Bottom Rod Support Creco
Journal bearing & wedges AAR
[Brake] shoes AAR #1A
[Brake] shoe keys AAR
Levers B&M
Uncoupling Rigging AAR Rot. S Ry. Eq. Co.
Brake Lever Badge Plate (B&M)
Brake Pipe "T" Anchor (B&M)
Retaining Valve Anchor (none)

ORER data and numbers

ORER Size Data
Description 1/1941
AAR Mechanical Designation FD
Inside
Dimensions
Length 37'-4"
Width 9'
Height
Outside
Dimensions
Length 38'-1"
Width At Eaves or top of sides or platform 9'
Extreme Width 9'-8"
Height
from
Rail
To Extreme Width 2'
To Eaves or top of sides or platform 4'
To Top of Running Board
To Extreme Height 6'-4"
Door - Side
opening
Width
Height
Capacity Cu Ft. Level Full
Pounds 160000

ORER History
ORER Date
(Year-Mo.)
Car
Numbers
# of
Cars
Description
1941 - 10 5100-5103 4 Flat, Depressed, Steel (ORER Note J)
1942 - 01 (same)
1942 - 04 (same)
1942 - 07 (same)
1942 - 10 (same)
1943 - 01 (same)
1943 - 04 (same)
1943 - 07 (same)
1943 - 10 (same)
1944 - 01 (same)
1944 - 04 (same)
1944 - 07 (same)
1944 - 10 (same)
1945 - 01 (same)
1945 - 04 (same)
1945 - 07 (same)
1945 - 10 (same)
1946 - 01 (same)
1946 - 04 (same)
1946 - 07 (same)
1946 - 10 (same)
1947 - 01 (same)
1947 - 04 (same)
1947 - 07 (same) (now Note H)
1947 - 10 (same)
1948 - 01 (same) (now Note D)
1948 - 04 (same)
1948 - 07 (same)
1948 - 10 (same)
1949 - 01 (same)
1949 - 04 (same)
1949 - 07 (same)
1949 - 10 (same)
1950 - 01 (same)
1950 - 04 (same)
1950 - 07 (same)
1950 - 10 (same)
1951 - 01 (same)
1951 - 04 (same)
1951 - 07 (same)
1951 - 10 (same) (now Note B)
1952 - 01 (same)
1952 - 04 (same)
1952 - 07 (same)
1952 - 10 (same)
1953 - 01 (same)
1953 - 04 (same)
1953 - 07 (same)
1953 - 10 (same)
1954 - 01 (same)
1954 - 04 (same)
1954 - 07 (same)
1954 - 10 (same)
1955 - 01 (same)
1955 - 04 (same)
1955 - 07 (same)
1955 - 10 (same)
1956 - 01 (same)
1956 - 04 (same)
1956 - 07 (same)
1956 - 10 (same)
1957 - 01 (same)
1957 - 04 (same) (now Note D)
1957 - 07 (same) (now Note C)
1957 - 10 (same)
1958 - 01 (same)
1958 - 04 (same)
1958 - 07 (same)
1958 - 10 (same)
1959 - 01 (same)
1959 - 04 (same)
1959 - 07 (same)
1959 - 10 (same)
1960 - 01 (same)
1960 - 04 (same)
1960 - 07 (same)
1960 - 10 (same)
1961 - 01 (same)
1961 - 04 (same)
1961 - 07 (same)
1961 - 10 (same)
1962 - 01 (same)
1962 - 04 (same)
1962 - 07 (same)
1962 - 10 (same)
1963 - 01 (same)
1963 - 04 (same)
1963 - 07 (same)
1963 - 10 (same)
1964 - 01 (same)
1964 - 04 (same)
1964 - 07 (same)
1964 - 10 (same)
1965 - 01 (same)
1965 - 04 (same)
1965 - 07 (same)
1965 - 10 (same)
1966 - 01 (same)
1966 - 04 (same)
1966 - 07 (same)
1966 - 10 (same)
1967 - 01 (same)
1967 - 04 (same)
1967 - 07 (same) (now Note G) [sic]
1967 - 10 (same)
1968 - 01 (same)
1968 - 04 (same)
1968 - 07 (same)
1968 - 10 (same) (now Note F)
1969 - 01 (same)
1969 - 04 (same)
1969 - 07 (same)
1969 - 10 (same)
1970 - 01 (same)
1970 - 04 (same)
1970 - 07 (same)
1970 - 10 (same)
1971 - 01 (same)
1971 - 04 (same)
1971 - 07 (same)
1971 - 10 (same)
1972 - 01 (same)
1972 - 04 (same)
1972 - 07 (same)
1972 - 10 (same)
1973 - 01 (same)
1973 - 04 (same)
1973 - 07 (same)
1973 - 11 " " Flat, Steel, Depressed, See heavy capacity section
1974 - 01 (same)
1974 - 04 (same)
1974 - 07 (same)
1974 - 10 (same)
1975 - 01 (same)
1975 - 04 (same)
1975 - 07 (same)
1975 - 10 (same)
1976 - 01 (same)
1976 - 04 (same)
1976 - 07 (same)
1976 - 10 (same)
1977 - 01 (same)
1977 - 04 (same)
1977 - 07 (same)
1977 - 10 (same)
1978 - 01 (same)
1978 - 04 (same)
1978 - 07 (same)
1978 - 10 (same)
1979 - 01 (same)
1979 - 04 (same)
1979 - 07 (same)
1979 - 10 (same)
1980 - 01 (same)
1980 - 04 (same)
1980 - 07 (same)
1980 - 10 (same)
1981 - 01 (same)
1981 - 04 (same)
1981 - 07 (same)
1981 - 10 (same)
1982 - 01 (same)
1982 - 04 (same)
1982 - 07 Not listed

ORER Notes

Note J (10/1941 - 1/1947)
Note D (1/1948-7/1952)
Note B (10/1951 - 7/1953)

Dimensions of depressed center of cars in series 5100 to 5103 inclusive are as follows: 17 ft. 2 in. between anchor lugs; 16 ft. 2 in. straight surface; Height from rail to floor of depressed center 1 ft 11⅞ in. This car may be loaded to 100 per cent of stenciled load weight limit for loads 16 ft. long or less placed between body bolsters.

Note B (10/1953 - 1/1957)
Note D (4/1957)
Note C (7/1957 - 10/1965)

Dimensions of depressed center of cars in series 5100 to 5103 inclusive are as follows: 17 ft. 2 in. between anchor lugs; 16 ft. 2 in. straight surface; Height from rail to floor of depressed center 1 ft. 11⅞ in. These cars are equipped with steel loading floor and have 2 four-wheel trucks. Spacing between the truck centers 27 ft. 2 in.; between axles 5 ft. 6 in.
These cars have loading schedule as follows:
Length of Lading Load (pounds)
0 ft. 142000
2 ft. 0 in. 147000
4 ft. 0 in. 153000
6 ft. 0 in. 159000
8 ft. 0 in. 166000
10 ft. 0 in. 174000
12 ft. 0 in. Load Limit

Note C (1/1966 - 4/1967)
["Note G" in main table, Note actually labelled "F" where described] (7/1967 - 7/1968)
Note F (correct) 10/1968 - 7/1973)

Dimensions of depressed center of cars in series 5100 to 5103 inclusive are as follows: 17 ft. 2 in. between anchor lugs; 16 ft. 2 in straight surface; Height from rail to floor of depressed center 1 ft. 11⅞ in. These cars are equipped with steel loading floor and have 2 four-wheel trucks. Spacing between the truck centers 27 ft. 2 in.; between axles 5 ft. 6 in.
Height above top of rail to center of gravity, – inches.
Light weights [pounds] of these cars are as follows:
Car # 1/1966 10/1969
5100 69,700 69,700
5101 70,700 69,700
5102 69,300 69,400
5103 70,800 69,800

These cars have loading schedule as follows:
Length of Lading Load (pounds)
0 ft. 142000
2 ft. 0 in. 147000
4 ft. 0 in. 153000
6 ft. 0 in. 159000
8 ft. 0 in. 166000
10 ft. 0 in. 174000
12 ft. 0 in. Load Limit

"Heavy Capacity and Special Type Flat Cars" notes - 1/1971

Car numbers
Data 5100-5101 5102 5103
AAR Mech. Designation FD FD FD
Type of loading floor Steel Steel Steel
Dimensions
(Note A)
Outside length of car 38'-1" 38'-1" 38'-1"
Load Carrying
Platform
Length 16'-2" 16'-2" 16'-2"
Width 9' 9' 9'
Height from top of rail 2' 2' 2'
Height from top of rail to center of gravity
Number of trucks, number of wheels per truck 2 - 4 wheel 2 - 4 wheel 2 - 4 wheel
Spacing between truck centers 27'-2" 27'-2" 27'-2"
Spacing between axles 5'-6" 5'-6" 5'-6"
Light weight (pounds) 69700 69400 69800
Capacity (pounds) 160000 160000 160000
Total cars 2 1 1
Notes 90 90 90

Note 90: Dimensions of depressed center of cars in B&M series 5100 to 5103 inclusive are as follows: 17 ft. 2 in. between anchor lugs; 16 ft. 2 in. straight surface; Height from rail to floor of depressed center 1 ft. 11⅞ in. These cars have loading schedule as follows:
Length of Lading Load (pounds)
0 ft. 142000
2 ft. 0 in. 147000
4 ft. 0 in. 153000
6 ft. 0 in. 159000
8 ft. 0 in. 166000
10 ft. 0 in. 174000
12 ft. 0 in. 180000

"Heavy Capacity and Special Type Flat Cars" notes - 4/1978

Data 5100 5101 5102 5103
AAR Mech. Designation FW
Description Flat, Steel, Depressed, Steel Loading Floor
AAR Car Type Code F220
Dimensions Load Carrying
Platform
Length 16'-2"
Width 9'
Height from top of rail 1'-11.875"
Height from top of rail to center of gravity
Outside length of car 38'-1"
Spacing between truck centers 27'-2"
Spacing between axles 5'-6"
Number of trucks 2
Number of wheels per truck 4
Light weight (pounds) 697[00] 697[00] 694[00] 698[00]
Capacity (pounds) 160[000]
Total cars 1
Notes 13

Note 13: Length of depressed center 17 ft. 2 in. between anchor lugs, 16 ft. 2 in straight surface; Loading schedule as follows:
Length of Lading Load (pounds)
0 ft. 142000
2 ft. 0 in. 147000
4 ft. 0 in. 153000
6 ft. 0 in. 159000
8 ft. 0 in. 166000
10 ft. 0 in. Load Limit
12 ft. 0 in. Load Limit

Discussion, General Notes

Car Book and/or Car Disposition Data

Car Disposition Records

Source(s)
BoxFolderFolder nameLink Title Approx.
Start date
Approx.
End date
13Freight Car List Old5100 series flats 1941-10 [long] before 1982?
5100-5103: Build Date = 1941-10 [no other data listed]

Paint Schemes

References or other data

Photographs

PageCar # Photo Date
yr-mo-day
Visible? MarkingsPaint
Scheme
Herald Notes
Don Clerke inserts into B&MRRHS Bulletin
i 10 photo 22 5100? X p NNNblack none side of car very shaded, hard to read. Some of deck visible
B&MRRHS Modelers Notes Issue No. included in "page" column
No. 104 p2 5103 X p BMRRNN2HNNNblack none COTS
Bob's Photos (photo "number" in "page" column, collection in "Note" column)
5102 1982-05-09 p B ex-Harry Frye collection. Highly oblique shot. Number per caption.
Note "B" painted on end (2 places) to indicate end. Brake wheel "up"
NMRA Archives (as of 17-Apr-2020)
Select "Photographs" → "Freight Car"
Then in the "Filter by Railroad", select either "BM" or "B&M" (see "page" column)
BM 5102 X X BMRRNNNNNN no load. "Top down" view, so you can see the deck pretty well
B&MRRHS Flickr (as of 17-Apr-2020)
Select "Albums" → "Cars-- Freight", then scroll thru
Direct links (in same order) are:
5101
5102
5101
5102
5101 1975-07-20 X A BMRRNYNNNNoriginal? none note "A" on side of car (at end). Car somewhat "bent up" at end!
Possibly second 5100 flat to its right
5102 1982-05-09 p B original? none note "B" (2 places) on end of car.
5101 1981-05-30 X BMRRNYNNNNoriginal? none
5102 1982-03-14 X A BMRRNN2HNNNoriginal? none note "A" on end of car (toward left).
NERail Photo Archive
or http://photos.nerail.org/ → "By Railroad" → "Boston & Maine" →
Then scroll thru to find the photo "Billerica Shop".
or try: http://photos.nerail.org/s/?p=160089
1975-01-24 p p Are those 3 (of 4) B&M Depressed center flats being worked on?
or some other ones??
Railroading on the Boston and Maine 1955 edition (RDCs on cover)
Originally published by the B&M, reprinted by the B&MRRHS in 2015
Same picture is in 1953 edition (3821 on cover) (reprinted by B&MRRHS in 2016), p13
p17 X B NNNNNoriginal Lettering can't be seen.
Note brake wheels/stands indicate this is NOT a B&M 5100 series car.
Facebook - Eastern & Essex Railroads (Northshore MA Rail History & Current Operations) group
In a post by Gabriel Wathne (18-Apr-2022)
There are 8 photos posted. Believed to BM 5101, although most lettering severely deteriorated.
Also some photos in the replies
5101? 2022-04? X p Black Lettering deteriorated
New York Central System Historical Society Archives (as of 28-Jun-2023)
Their archives has a bunch of photos of the NYC created from the same pattern - go to above link and search on the following car numbers:
  • 499054
  • 499056
  • 499059
  • 499063
B&MRRHS Newsletter Jan-Feb 2023
One photo repeated in the B&MRRHS "Modelers Notes" Issue 189 (Jul-Aug 2023, p2) along with a B&M representation of the car/scene using the Eastern Car Work kit p8 upper/lower - 1929 Note - due to date, the "giraffe on a depressed center flat"
can NOT be a B&M car (but it is very similar!)

Renumberings/Conversions/Dispositions

Models

Scale Manufacturer Stock number Car number Paint scheme Notes
HO Eastern Car Works 4800 undec. Produced "a long time ago" (1980s?). "Pretty close" to B&M car.

Mentioned in B&MRRHS Modelers Notes #130 (Jul-Aug 2006) is a Walthers (HO "Gold line") General Steel Casting 90 ton depressed center flat. This could be a "stand in" model, but it does not have the brace plates, and (IIRC) it is not a riveted car, so you would have to add a LOT of rivets. It is also 5' too long (see B&MRRHS Modelers Notes article above) At some point I'll pull mine out to see what else is different.

More modeling information can be found on James B. Van Bokkelen's web site:
B&M Roster Info
Details on this car series

Revision History

File History for THIS page
Date Who Description
27-Dec-2019 KG Akerboom Initial release
28-Mar-2020 KG Akerboom Added data from 19 more ORERs
01-Apr-2020 KG Akerboom Added references
04-Apr-2020 KG Akerboom Re-did references/photos section
17-Apr-2020 KG Akerboom Added more web sites: B&MRRHS Flickr, Fallen Flags, NMRA Archives, Earl Tuson. Also Scott Whitney (NMRO) CDs
26-Apr-2020 KG Akerboom Changed B&MRRHS Flickr to direct link
01-May-2020 KG Akerboom Added data from 4 more ORER (1941, 1943, 1945, 1947)
05-May-2020 KG Akerboom Moved ORER notes into separate section
10-May-2020 KG Akerboom Added 1952 class cards
12-May-2020 KG Akerboom Updated class card table
07-Jul-2020 KG Akerboom Added Eric Neubauer - Cast Steel Underframe Railcar Production (March 2015 "Car of the month") data
21-Jul-2020 KG Akerboom "Photos" table - changed "vertical" text to PNG of "sideways" text; added "Markings" columns
07- thru
16-Aug-2020
KG Akerboom Added ORER data (History only, not dims or notes yet) for 63 more registers, courtesy of James Kinkaid
07-Nov-2020 KG Akerboom Added "NE Rails" photos
17-Nov-2020 KG Akerboom Standardized formatting of Classification Card(s) section
20-Nov-2020 KG Akerboom Updated 1942 Classification Card(s)
12-Dec-2020 KG Akerboom Added model info
19-Dec-2020 KG Akerboom Added JBVB web site links
30-Dec-2020 KG Akerboom Added Walthers model, B&MRRHS Modelers Notes article
04-Jan-2021 KG Akerboom Added Railroading on the Boston and Maine photo
26-Jul-2021 KG Akerboom Added car disposition record data
16-Oct-2021 KG Akerboom Added remaining 7/1928 - 10/1947 ORERs
02-Jan-2022 KG Akerboom Corrected "Note J" first appeared in 10/1941 ORER
13-Feb-2022 KG Akerboom Added truck info in discussion
25-Apr-2022 KG Akerboom Added Facebook 2022 photos
29-Sep-2022 KG Akerboom Verified per [almost] complete ORER data
04-Jan-2023 KG Akerboom Fixed headers and footers...hopefully
28-Jun-2023 KG Akerboom Clarified some text (pattern number) and added NYCSHS photo link for cars made from same pattern as B&M cars
18-Aug-2023 KG Akerboom Added newsletter "not B&M" cars (with giraffe!)
20-Aug-2023 KG Akerboom Fixed NYCSHS link
22-Jan-2024 KG Akerboom Added Lester Breuer Blog link
12-Apr-2024 KG Akerboom Fixed some typos, added more info on NYCSHS drawings; removed 1931 CBC listing.

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