Boston & Maine 5520 Series Hopper Cars

Index

Builder's Photo
Classification Card(s) for series
Specifications
ORER data
ORER Notes
Discussion, General Notes
Car Book and/or Car Disposition Data
Paint Schemes
References
Photographs
Renumberings/Conversions/Dispositions
Modeling
Revision History of this page

Builder's Photo

Pullman Standard Builder's Photo Courtesy of James Kinkaid, used with permission (click on image to see full resolution available)

B&M Classification Card(s)

Does one exist?

Specifications From Classification Cards

From Mainline Modeler and Railmodel Journal articles
Additional data from Neubauer, Eric. Pullman-Standard Freight Car Production Including Predecessors (Pullman-Standard Freight Car Production.pdf)

Spec Value
Builder Pullman-Standard (Butler, PA)
Lot # 8308D
Car Numbers 5520-5545
Quantity 26
Build Date 5/1956
AAR class LO
Lt Weight
Description PS-2 covered hopper
Cubic Cap'y 2003 Cu. Ft.
Journals Roller Bearings

Spec	Value
Builder	Pullman-Standard (Butler, PA)
Lot #	8308D
Car Numbers	5520-5545
Quantity	26
Build Date	5/1956
AAR class	LO
Lt Weight
Description	PS-2 covered hopper
Cubic Cap'y	2003 Cu. Ft.
Journals	Roller Bearings

ORER data and numbers

ORER Size Data
Description 7/1956 1/1983 5/1983 7/1989 7/2000
AAR Mechanical Designation LO LO LO LO LO
Inside
Dimensions Length 29'-3" 29'-3" 29'-3"
Width 9'-5" 9'-5" 9'-5"
Height
Outside
Dimensions Length 35'-3" 35'-3" 37'-9" 37'-9" 37'-9"
Width At Eaves or top of sides or platform 9'-8"
10'-2" 9'-8"
10'-2" 9'-8" 9'-8" 9'-8"
Extreme Width 10'-2" 10'-2" 10'-3" 10'-3" 10'-3"
Height
from
Rail To Extreme Width 12'-3" 12'-3" 12'-3" 12'-3" 12'-3"
To Eaves or top of sides or platform 12'-6"
12'-3" 12'-6"
12'-3" 12'-6" 12'-6" 12'-6"
To Top of Running Board 13'-2" 13'-2"
To Extreme Height 13'-3" 13'-3" 13'-3" 13'-3" 13'-3"
Door - Side
opening Width
Height
Capacity Cu Ft. Level Full 2003 2003 2000 2000 2000
Pounds 140000 154000 154000 154000 220000

ORER History
ORER Date
(Year-Mo.) Car
Numbers # of
Cars Description
1956 - 07 5520-5545 26 Covered Hopper Steel
1956 - 10 (same)
1957 - 01 (same)
1957 - 04 (same)
1957 - 07 (same)
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 " " Covered Hopper Steel, Note G
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)
1967 - 10 (same)
1968 - 01 (same)
1968 - 04 " 25 "
1968 - 07 (same)
1968 - 10 (same)
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 5520-5545 20 Covered Hopper Steel
5537,5540,5541,5543,5545 5 Covered Hopper, Steel, Special Interior lining & Hopper Covers, (Sugar only)
1974 - 01 (same) (both rows)
1974 - 04 (same) (both rows)
1974 - 07 (same) (both rows)
1974 - 10 (same) (both rows)
1975 - 01 (same) (both rows)
1975 - 04 (same) (both rows)
1975 - 07 (same) (both rows)
1975 - 10 (same) (both rows)
1976 - 01 (same) (both rows)
1976 - 04 (same) (both rows)
1976 - 07 (same) (both rows)
1976 - 10 (same) (both rows)
1977 - 01 (same) (both rows)
1977 - 04 (same) (both rows)
1977 - 07 (same) (both rows)
1977 - 10 (same) (both rows)
1978 - 01 (same) (both rows)
1978 - 04 (same) (both rows)
1978 - 07 (same) (both rows)
1978 - 10 (same) (both rows)
1979 - 01 (same) (both rows)
1979 - 04 (same) (both rows)
1979 - 07 (same) (both rows)
1979 - 10 (same) (both rows)
1980 - 01 (same) (both rows)
1980 - 04 (same) (both rows)
1980 - 07 (same) (both rows)
1980 - 10 (same) (both rows)
1981 - 01 (same) (both rows)
1981 - 04 (same) (both rows)
1981 - 07 5520-5545 16 Covered Hopper Steel
5540,5541,5543,5545 4 Covered Hopper, Steel, Special Interior lining & Hopper Covers, (Sugar only)
1981 - 10 (same) (both rows)
1982 - 01 (same) (both rows)
1982 - 04 (same) (both rows)
1982 - 07 5520-5545 16 Covered Hopper Steel
5540,5541,5543,5545 4 Covered Hopper, Steel, Special Interior lining & Hopper Covers
1982 - 10 (same) (both rows)
1983 - 01 5520-5545 16 Covered Hopper Steel
5540,5541,5543,5545 4 Covered Hopper, Steel, Special Interior lining
1983 - 05 5520-5545 19 Covered Hopper Steel
1983 - 07 (same)
1983 - 10 (same)
1984 - 01 (same)
1984 - 04 (same)
1984 - 07 (same)
1984 - 10 (same)
1985 - 01 (same)
1985 - 04 (same)
1985 - 07 (same)
1985 - 10 (same)
1986 - 01 (same)
1986 - 04 (same)
1986 - 07 (same)
1986 - 10 (same)
1987 - 01 (same)
1987 - 04 (same)
1987 - 07 (same)
1987 - 10 (same)
1988 - 01 (same)
1988 - 04 (same)
1988 - 07 (same)
1988 - 10 " 15 "
1989 - 01 (same)
1989 - 04 (same)
1989 - 07 (same)
1989 - 10 (same)
1990 - 01 (same)
1990 - 04 (same)
1990 - 07 (same)
1990 - 10 (same)
1991 - 01 (same)
1991 - 04 (same)
1991 - 07 (same)
1991 - 10 (same)
1992 - 01 " 11 "
1992 - 04 (same)
1992 - 07 (same)
1992 - 10 (same)
1993 - 01 (same)
1993 - 04 (same)
1993 - 07 (same)
1993 - 10 (same)
1994 - 01 (same)
1994 - 04 " 10 "
1994 - 07 (same)
1994 - 10 (same)
1995 - 01 " 9 "
1995 - 04 (same)
1995 - 07 (same)
1995 - 10 5520-5545 7 Covered Hopper, Steel
5528 1 Covered Hopper [170000 lbs capy]
5531 1 Covered Hopper [169000 lbs capy]
1996 - 01 (same) (all 3 rows)
1996 - 04 (same) (all 3 rows)
1996 - 07 (same) (all 3 rows)
1996 - 10 (same) (all 3 rows)
1997 - 01 (same) (all 3 rows)
1997 - 04 (same) (all 3 rows)
1997 - 07 (same) (all 3 rows)
1997 - 10 (same) (all 3 rows)
1998 - 01 (same) (all 3 rows)
1998 - 04 (same) (all 3 rows)
1998 - 07 (same) (all 3 rows)
1998 - 10 (same) (all 3 rows)
1999 - 01 (same) (all 3 rows)
1999 - 04 (same) (all 3 rows)
1999 - 07 (same) (all 3 rows)
1999 - 10 (same) (all 3 rows)
2000 - 01 (same) (all 3 rows)
2000 - 04 (same) (all 3 rows)
2000 - 07 5520-5545 9 Covered Hopper, Steel
2000 - 10 (same)
2001 - 01 (same)
2001 - 04 (same)
2001 - 07 (same)
2001 - 10 (same)
2002 - 01 (same)
2002 - 04 (same)
2002 - 07 (same)
2002 - 10 (same)
2003 - 01 (same)
2003 - 04 (same)
2003 - 07 (same)
2003 - 10 (same)
2004 - 01 (same)
2004 - 04 (same)
2004 - 07 " 8 "
2004 - 10 (same)
2005 - 01 (same)
2005 - 04 (same)
2005 - 07 (same)
2005 - 10 (same)
2006 - 01 (same)
2006 - 04 (same)
2006 - 07 (same)
2006 - 10 (same)
2007 - 01 (same)
2007 - 04 Not listed

ORER Size Data
Description	7/1956	1/1983	5/1983	7/1989	7/2000
AAR Mechanical Designation	LO	LO	LO	LO	LO
Inside Dimensions	Length	29'-3"	29'-3"	29'-3"
Width	9'-5"	9'-5"	9'-5"
Height
Outside Dimensions	Length	35'-3"	35'-3"	37'-9"	37'-9"	37'-9"
Width	At Eaves or top of sides or platform	9'-8" 10'-2"	9'-8" 10'-2"	9'-8"	9'-8"	9'-8"
Extreme Width	10'-2"	10'-2"	10'-3"	10'-3"	10'-3"
Height from Rail	To Extreme Width	12'-3"	12'-3"	12'-3"	12'-3"	12'-3"
To Eaves or top of sides or platform	12'-6" 12'-3"	12'-6" 12'-3"	12'-6"	12'-6"	12'-6"
To Top of Running Board	13'-2"	13'-2"
To Extreme Height	13'-3"	13'-3"	13'-3"	13'-3"	13'-3"
Door - Side opening	Width
Height
Capacity	Cu Ft. Level Full	2003	2003	2000	2000	2000
Pounds	140000	154000	154000	154000	220000

ORER History
ORER Date (Year-Mo.)	Car Numbers	# of Cars	Description
1956 - 07	5520-5545	26	Covered Hopper Steel
1956 - 10	(same)
1957 - 01	(same)
1957 - 04	(same)
1957 - 07	(same)
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	"	"	Covered Hopper Steel, Note G
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)
1967 - 10	(same)
1968 - 01	(same)
1968 - 04	"	25	"
1968 - 07	(same)
1968 - 10	(same)
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	5520-5545	20	Covered Hopper Steel
5537,5540,5541,5543,5545	5	Covered Hopper, Steel, Special Interior lining & Hopper Covers, (Sugar only)
1974 - 01	(same) (both rows)
1974 - 04	(same) (both rows)
1974 - 07	(same) (both rows)
1974 - 10	(same) (both rows)
1975 - 01	(same) (both rows)
1975 - 04	(same) (both rows)
1975 - 07	(same) (both rows)
1975 - 10	(same) (both rows)
1976 - 01	(same) (both rows)
1976 - 04	(same) (both rows)
1976 - 07	(same) (both rows)
1976 - 10	(same) (both rows)
1977 - 01	(same) (both rows)
1977 - 04	(same) (both rows)
1977 - 07	(same) (both rows)
1977 - 10	(same) (both rows)
1978 - 01	(same) (both rows)
1978 - 04	(same) (both rows)
1978 - 07	(same) (both rows)
1978 - 10	(same) (both rows)
1979 - 01	(same) (both rows)
1979 - 04	(same) (both rows)
1979 - 07	(same) (both rows)
1979 - 10	(same) (both rows)
1980 - 01	(same) (both rows)
1980 - 04	(same) (both rows)
1980 - 07	(same) (both rows)
1980 - 10	(same) (both rows)
1981 - 01	(same) (both rows)
1981 - 04	(same) (both rows)
1981 - 07	5520-5545	16	Covered Hopper Steel
5540,5541,5543,5545	4	Covered Hopper, Steel, Special Interior lining & Hopper Covers, (Sugar only)
1981 - 10	(same) (both rows)
1982 - 01	(same) (both rows)
1982 - 04	(same) (both rows)
1982 - 07	5520-5545	16	Covered Hopper Steel
5540,5541,5543,5545	4	Covered Hopper, Steel, Special Interior lining & Hopper Covers
1982 - 10	(same) (both rows)
1983 - 01	5520-5545	16	Covered Hopper Steel
5540,5541,5543,5545	4	Covered Hopper, Steel, Special Interior lining
1983 - 05	5520-5545	19	Covered Hopper Steel
1983 - 07	(same)
1983 - 10	(same)
1984 - 01	(same)
1984 - 04	(same)
1984 - 07	(same)
1984 - 10	(same)
1985 - 01	(same)
1985 - 04	(same)
1985 - 07	(same)
1985 - 10	(same)
1986 - 01	(same)
1986 - 04	(same)
1986 - 07	(same)
1986 - 10	(same)
1987 - 01	(same)
1987 - 04	(same)
1987 - 07	(same)
1987 - 10	(same)
1988 - 01	(same)
1988 - 04	(same)
1988 - 07	(same)
1988 - 10	"	15	"
1989 - 01	(same)
1989 - 04	(same)
1989 - 07	(same)
1989 - 10	(same)
1990 - 01	(same)
1990 - 04	(same)
1990 - 07	(same)
1990 - 10	(same)
1991 - 01	(same)
1991 - 04	(same)
1991 - 07	(same)
1991 - 10	(same)
1992 - 01	"	11	"
1992 - 04	(same)
1992 - 07	(same)
1992 - 10	(same)
1993 - 01	(same)
1993 - 04	(same)
1993 - 07	(same)
1993 - 10	(same)
1994 - 01	(same)
1994 - 04	"	10	"
1994 - 07	(same)
1994 - 10	(same)
1995 - 01	"	9	"
1995 - 04	(same)
1995 - 07	(same)
1995 - 10	5520-5545	7	Covered Hopper, Steel
5528	1	Covered Hopper [170000 lbs capy]
5531	1	Covered Hopper [169000 lbs capy]
1996 - 01	(same) (all 3 rows)
1996 - 04	(same) (all 3 rows)
1996 - 07	(same) (all 3 rows)
1996 - 10	(same) (all 3 rows)
1997 - 01	(same) (all 3 rows)
1997 - 04	(same) (all 3 rows)
1997 - 07	(same) (all 3 rows)
1997 - 10	(same) (all 3 rows)
1998 - 01	(same) (all 3 rows)
1998 - 04	(same) (all 3 rows)
1998 - 07	(same) (all 3 rows)
1998 - 10	(same) (all 3 rows)
1999 - 01	(same) (all 3 rows)
1999 - 04	(same) (all 3 rows)
1999 - 07	(same) (all 3 rows)
1999 - 10	(same) (all 3 rows)
2000 - 01	(same) (all 3 rows)
2000 - 04	(same) (all 3 rows)
2000 - 07	5520-5545	9	Covered Hopper, Steel
2000 - 10	(same)
2001 - 01	(same)
2001 - 04	(same)
2001 - 07	(same)
2001 - 10	(same)
2002 - 01	(same)
2002 - 04	(same)
2002 - 07	(same)
2002 - 10	(same)
2003 - 01	(same)
2003 - 04	(same)
2003 - 07	(same)
2003 - 10	(same)
2004 - 01	(same)
2004 - 04	(same)
2004 - 07	"	8	"
2004 - 10	(same)
2005 - 01	(same)
2005 - 04	(same)
2005 - 07	(same)
2005 - 10	(same)
2006 - 01	(same)
2006 - 04	(same)
2006 - 07	(same)
2006 - 10	(same)
2007 - 01	(same)
2007 - 04	Not listed

ORER Notes

Note G (1/1961-7/1973)

Cars numbered [see list below] have special interior lining and hopper covers - for sugar service only

11/1973 - 1/1983

Lining note moved to main table description
[note: Only cars in series 5520-5545 listed in the table below - see other cars series for other cars included in note G]

Car No. First listed Last Listed
5537 1/1961 4/1981
5540 1/1961 1/1983
5541 1/1961 1/1983
5543 1/1961 1/1983
5545 1/1961 1/1983

Car No.	First listed	Last Listed
5537	1/1961	4/1981
5540	1/1961	1/1983
5541	1/1961	1/1983
5543	1/1961	1/1983
5545	1/1961	1/1983

Discussion, General Notes

Per Don Clerke
Built by Pullman
8 round roof hatches, solid sides

Pullman-standard PS-2 2000 cu ft covered hopper
High brake wheel
On 19-Oct-2023, Julian Erceg posted in the bbfcl@groups.io (thread "Reading 1962 freight car assignments ") a link:
Reading car assignment list from 1962 with 1964 updates
In that list it includes assigments of the following B&M covered hoppers (all from this series)

Circular 805, Section C, pp 1 and 4, dated 14-Dec-1962
Assigned service:
Code: D-1
Cars: 25 RDG and 36 foreign
Assignment: Belt Line So., Phila., Sugar - American Sugar Co.
B&M Cars: BM 5537, 5540, 5541, 5543, 5545
Supplement 2 to Circular 805, Section C, dated 07-Jan-1964
Assigned service:
Code: D-I
Cars: 25 RDG and 36 foreign
Assignment: Belt Line So., Phila., American Sugar Co.
B&M Cars: BM 5537, 5540, 5541, 5543, 5545

Circular 805, Section C, pp 1 and 4, dated 14-Dec-1962 Assigned service:
Code:	D-1
Cars:	25 RDG and 36 foreign
Assignment:	Belt Line So., Phila., Sugar - American Sugar Co.
B&M Cars:	BM 5537, 5540, 5541, 5543, 5545
Supplement 2 to Circular 805, Section C, dated 07-Jan-1964 Assigned service:
Code:	D-I
Cars:	25 RDG and 36 foreign
Assignment:	Belt Line So., Phila., American Sugar Co.
B&M Cars:	BM 5537, 5540, 5541, 5543, 5545

Car Book and/or Car Disposition Data

Volume number refers original book number
Part number refers to PDF file part as posted on B&MRRHS site
Page numbers refer to pages in PDF file(s) (L/R = Left or Right side of that PDF page)

Car Book Data
Car Number(s) Vol Part Page Date Action Location New # Notes
5520-5545 4 4 4R 1956-05-27 New [from Pullman-Standard]

Car Book Data
Car Number(s)	Vol	Part	Page	Date	Action	Location	New #	Notes
5520-5545	4	4	4R	1956-05-27	New			[from Pullman-Standard]

Car Disposition Records

Source(s)
Box Folder Folder name Link Title Approx.
Start date Approx.
End date
1 5 Coal Cars 5500-5529 Covered_Hoppers - "A" 1947-02 before 1968-04

Car Disposition Data
Car Number Build Date Disposition Notes
5520-5529 1956-05 [no dispositions listed] Equipment Trust [#1?]

Source(s)
Box	Folder	Folder name	Link Title	Approx. Start date	Approx. End date
1	5	Coal Cars	5500-5529 Covered_Hoppers - "A"	1947-02	before 1968-04

Car Disposition Data
Car Number	Build Date	Disposition	Notes
5520-5529	1956-05	[no dispositions listed]	Equipment Trust [#1?]

Paint Schemes

As delivered
grey body/roof/ends (grey is darker than ACF cars' grey). ?Black underframe, trucks, and hoppers?
blue/white (grey background) intertwined "BM" herald, almost as high as car side.
Were reporting marks white or black originally?
Per B&MRRHS Modeler's Notes #101 (Mar-Apr 2006) herald: approx 6' high "B" (all white), "M" is blue with white border
?1970s repaint (per Highball Graphics)
As above, but herald is all white with black outline.
Herald sometimes (approx) 4' high, sometimes much smaller (2' high?)

References or other data

Lofton, Martin. "PS-2 Covered Hoppers Part I" Mainline Modeler Jul 1991, pp 68-73
Plans of UP car (S scale)
Many photos (including B&M 5525), roster (note the B&M is listed in both tables, I'm not sure why)
Kinkaid, James. "PS-2 Covered Hopper" Mainline Modeler Aug 1998, pp 64-69
Plans of SAL car (S scale)
Many photos (including B&M 5526)
Hawkins, Ed. "Pullman Standard 70-ton PS-2 two-bay Covered Hoppers" Railmodel Journal Apr 1995, pp 4-13
Many photos (including B&M 5526)

Photographs

Page Car # Photo Date
yr-mo-day Visible? Markings Paint
Scheme Herald Notes

Northern New England Color Guide
p32 5545 1956-06-20 Y X A p BM R R AB N N N N N original original note evidence of spillage around roof hatches (not yet showing on car side)
Mainline Modeler Issue date included in "page" column
7/1991 p69 5525 X B BM R R N N 2V I N N original original
8/1998 p67 5526 1956? X B BM R R AB N N N N N original original builder's Photo?
Railmodel Journal Issue date included in "page" column
4/1995 p7 5526 1956? X B BM R R AB N N N N N original original builder's Photo?
Don Clerke inserts into B&MRRHS Bulletin
i 11 photo 26 55xx? X BM R R N N N N N N grey smaller? Very weathered
i 11 photo 27 5540 X BM R R AB N N N N N grey larger Very weathered
i 11 photo 28 5541 X Bp BM R R N Y 2V N N N grey smaller rebuilt, roller bearing trucks.
Railroad Picture Archives (as of 10-Apr-2020)
Go to "By Railroad", then "Fallen Flags", then "BM" Boston & Maine section
Then "Rolling Stock Roster" → "Photographed" link, then page thru for car number
BM 5535 5535 1995-08-26 Y X BM G G N Y 2V Y N N Reporting marks repainted
BM 5535 5535 1997-12-27 Y X BM G G N Y 2V Y N N Reporting marks repainted
BM 5541 5541 1995-08-26 Y X B BM R R N Y 2V Y N N grey smaller?
Fallen Flags and Other Railroad Photos (as of 15-Apr-2020)
Scroll down to the "B" section, click on the "Boston & Maine (B&M)" link
Then scroll down to find the photo. The "Page" column has the "Link" text listed
LO 5535 5535 1995-08-26 Y X A BM G G N Y 2V Y N N original original Same as "Fallen Flags" photo?
LO 5535 5535 1997-12-27 Y X A BM G G N Y 2V Y N N original original Same as "Fallen Flags" photo?
LO 5541 5541 1995-08-26 Y X B BM R R N Y 2V Y N N original original Same as "Fallen Flags" photo?
B&M RR Magazine Jul-Aug, 1956 (vol 24 No. 4)
p13 5521 1956 X BM R R AB N N N N N original original somewhat fuzzy print.
Canadian Freight Railcar Gallery (as of 29-Aug-2020)
"American Railroads" → "Boston & Maine"
Then scroll down to find the photo.
BM 5526 1956 X B BM G G AB N N N N N original original Builder's photo
Highball Graphics
N/HO/O scale decals, but they have a couple prototype pictures
Web site doesn't seem to work very well with Internet Explorer, use a newer browser.
From main page, "check" (under "Railroad" list at left) the "Boston & Maine" → "Boston & Maine 50' 70T Covered Hoppers - Repainted mid 70's [N / HO / O] Scale" (scale doesn't matter, they have same photos on all)
5529 ? Y X p BM R G N Y 2V N N N as repainted "4' high" variant
5545 ? Y X Bp BM R R N N 2V Y N N as repainted "2' high" variant
Pullman Library, James Kinkaid Collection
If above doesn't work, try https://pullman-lib.smugmug.com
Then "Railroad - B" then scroll down
5526 1956-05? X B BM R R AB N N N N N original original Builder's Photo
Rail Goat web site (as of 29-Jan-2022)
5526 1956-05? X B BM R R AB N N N N N original original Builder's Photo
B&MRRHS "Flickr" page
Above is direct link, Title = "B&M hopper car no. 5537 at Charlestown, Mass., Oct. 14, 1979"
5537 1979-10-14 X A BM R R N N N N N N repainted? Repainted? Black outline on herald missing (or weathered off)
B&MRRHS Flickr (as of 18-Aug-2023)
Above is direct link. If it doesn't work, try: Select "Albums" → "Cars-- Freight", then scroll thru
5543 1976-08-26 Y X BM R R N Y N N N N original original Note can zoom in to (almost) read all lettering
Note --possible-- yellow "when empty return to" panel to right of reporting marks

Page	Car #	Photo Date yr-mo-day		Visible?	Markings	Paint Scheme	Notes

*Northern New England Color Guide*
p32	5545	1956-06-20	Y	X	A	p	BM	R	R	AB	N	N	N	N	N	original	original	note evidence of spillage around roof hatches (not yet showing on car side)
*Mainline Modeler* Issue date included in "page" column
7/1991 p69	5525			X	B		BM	R	R	N	N	2V	I	N	N	original	original
8/1998 p67	5526	1956?		X	B		BM	R	R	AB	N	N	N	N	N	original	original	builder's Photo?
*Railmodel Journal* Issue date included in "page" column
4/1995 p7	5526	1956?		X	B		BM	R	R	AB	N	N	N	N	N	original	original	builder's Photo?
*Don Clerke inserts into B&MRRHS Bulletin*
i 11 photo 26	55xx?			X			BM	R	R	N	N	N	N	N	N	grey	smaller?	Very weathered
i 11 photo 27	5540			X			BM	R	R	AB	N	N	N	N	N	grey	larger	Very weathered
i 11 photo 28	5541			X	Bp		BM	R	R	N	Y	2V	N	N	N	grey	smaller	rebuilt, roller bearing trucks.
Railroad Picture Archives (as of 10-Apr-2020) Go to "By Railroad", then "Fallen Flags", then "BM" Boston & Maine section Then "Rolling Stock Roster" → "Photographed" link, then page thru for car number
BM 5535	5535	1995-08-26	Y	X			BM	G	G	N	Y	2V	Y	N	N			Reporting marks repainted
BM 5535	5535	1997-12-27	Y	X			BM	G	G	N	Y	2V	Y	N	N			Reporting marks repainted
BM 5541	5541	1995-08-26	Y	X	B		BM	R	R	N	Y	2V	Y	N	N	grey	smaller?
Fallen Flags and Other Railroad Photos (as of 15-Apr-2020) Scroll down to the "B" section, click on the "Boston & Maine (B&M)" link Then scroll down to find the photo. The "Page" column has the "Link" text listed
LO 5535	5535	1995-08-26	Y	X	A		BM	G	G	N	Y	2V	Y	N	N	original	original	Same as "Fallen Flags" photo?
LO 5535	5535	1997-12-27	Y	X	A		BM	G	G	N	Y	2V	Y	N	N	original	original	Same as "Fallen Flags" photo?
LO 5541	5541	1995-08-26	Y	X	B		BM	R	R	N	Y	2V	Y	N	N	original	original	Same as "Fallen Flags" photo?
*B&M RR Magazine* Jul-Aug, 1956 (vol 24 No. 4)
p13	5521	1956		X			BM	R	R	AB	N	N	N	N	N	original	original	somewhat fuzzy print.
Canadian Freight Railcar Gallery (as of 29-Aug-2020) "American Railroads" → "Boston & Maine" Then scroll down to find the photo.
	BM 5526	1956		X	B		BM	G	G	AB	N	N	N	N	N	original	original	Builder's photo
Highball Graphics N/HO/O scale decals, but they have a couple prototype pictures Web site doesn't seem to work very well with Internet Explorer, use a newer browser. From main page, "check" (under "Railroad" list at left) the "Boston & Maine" → "Boston & Maine 50' 70T Covered Hoppers - Repainted mid 70's [N / HO / O] Scale" (scale doesn't matter, they have same photos on all)
	5529	?	Y	X	p		BM	R	G	N	Y	2V	N	N	N	as repainted	"4' high" variant
	5545	?	Y	X	Bp		BM	R	R	N	N	2V	Y	N	N	as repainted	"2' high" variant
Pullman Library, James Kinkaid Collection If above doesn't work, try https://pullman-lib.smugmug.com Then "Railroad - B" then scroll down
	5526	1956-05?		X	B		BM	R	R	AB	N	N	N	N	N	original	original	Builder's Photo
Rail Goat web site (as of 29-Jan-2022)
	5526	1956-05?		X	B		BM	R	R	AB	N	N	N	N	N	original	original	Builder's Photo
B&MRRHS "Flickr" page Above is direct link, Title = "B&M hopper car no. 5537 at Charlestown, Mass., Oct. 14, 1979"
	5537	1979-10-14		X	A		BM	R	R	N	N	N	N	N	N	repainted?	Repainted?	Black outline on herald missing (or weathered off)
B&MRRHS Flickr (as of 18-Aug-2023) Above is direct link. If it doesn't work, try: Select "Albums" → "Cars-- Freight", then scroll thru
	5543	1976-08-26	Y	X			BM	R	R	N	Y	N	N	N	N	original	original	Note can zoom in to (almost) read all lettering Note --possible-- yellow "when empty return to" panel to right of reporting marks

Renumberings/Conversions/Dispositions

per B&MRRHS Modeler's Notes #39

Date Quantity New Numbers Description
1994 4 2751-2756 renumbered
1984-05-18 1 (BM 5536) Green Mountain Ry X705 Sold to GMR. Converted to ballast, 1984-10. Still in use, Dec 2020.
1984-05-23 1 (BM 5523) Green Mountain Ry X704 Sold to GMR. Scrapped, 2003-06, trucks re-used under ex-Rutland gon.
1984-05-04 1 (BM 5542) Green Mountain Ry X706 Sold to GMR. Converted to ballast (could only dump between the rails), 1995-06. Scrapped 2013-07

Date	Quantity	New Numbers	Description
1994	4	2751-2756	renumbered
1984-05-18	1 (BM 5536)	Green Mountain Ry X705	Sold to GMR. Converted to ballast, 1984-10. Still in use, Dec 2020.
1984-05-23	1 (BM 5523)	Green Mountain Ry X704	Sold to GMR. Scrapped, 2003-06, trucks re-used under ex-Rutland gon.
1984-05-04	1 (BM 5542)	Green Mountain Ry X706	Sold to GMR. Converted to ballast (could only dump between the rails), 1995-06. Scrapped 2013-07

Models

Scale Manufacturer Stock number Car number Paint scheme Notes
HO Atlas ? 5541? As delivered Review in April, 1995 Railroad Model Craftsman pp 91-93
HO Atlas 1801-3 5544 As delivered Per Atlas web site, released May, 2005. Listed as "sold out" Dec 2020
HO Kadee 8330 5526 As delivered Notched Roof Hatch Covers. Out-of-stock by Feb, 2010
HO Kadee 8331 5533 As delivered Notched Roof Hatch Covers. Out-of-stock by Jun, 2010
HO Kadee 8332 5529 As delivered Notched Roof Hatch Covers. Out-of-stock by Jan, 2012
HO Kadee 8342 5535 As delivered [no mention of covers] Out-of-stock by Nov, 2020
Mentioned in Jan, 2020 Model Railroad Hobbyist p 67
also July, 2019 Model Railroad Hobbyist p 77
O (3 rail) MTH Walthers part 507-2097328 5526 As delivered Listed on Walthers as "out of stock", Dec, 2020
HO Athearn (Roundhouse line) RND15701 5521 As Delivered? unknown accuracy of car body or decoration. Announced May, 2017. Listed as "Sold out" on their website [probably long before] Dec, 2020
HO Athearn (Roundhouse line) RND15703 5541 As Delivered? unknown accuracy of car body or decoration. Announced May, 2017. Listed as "Sold out" on their website [probably long before] Dec, 2020
S MTH 35-75044 5520 As Delivered? unknown accuracy of car body or decoration. Announced May, 2015. Unknown availability Dec, 2020
S MTH 35-75045 5525 As Delivered? unknown accuracy of car body or decoration. Announced May, 2015. Shown as "Available" on their web site Dec, 2020

Per B&MRRHS Modelers Notes #24 (Jan, 1992) Weaver had an O scale PS-2 available. Unknown accuracy for the B&M, unknown if any were painted for the B&M
Per B&MRRHS Modelers Notes #39 (Oct, 1995) Note the Atlas model [just the first run???] has a "rib" at each bolster, whereas the B&M cars had a "channel" at this location
Per B&MRRHS Modelers Notes #18 (1990), could be built using MDC hopper with major work. [KGA: I would use one of the models above]
On an interesting note, it also states that 5533 and 5536 are black with white markings

Scale	Manufacturer	Stock number	Car number	Paint scheme	Notes
HO	Atlas	?	5541?	As delivered	Review in April, 1995 Railroad Model Craftsman pp 91-93
HO	Atlas	1801-3	5544	As delivered	Per Atlas web site, released May, 2005. Listed as "sold out" Dec 2020
HO	Kadee	8330	5526	As delivered	Notched Roof Hatch Covers. Out-of-stock by Feb, 2010
HO	Kadee	8331	5533	As delivered	Notched Roof Hatch Covers. Out-of-stock by Jun, 2010
HO	Kadee	8332	5529	As delivered	Notched Roof Hatch Covers. Out-of-stock by Jan, 2012
HO	Kadee	8342	5535	As delivered	[no mention of covers] Out-of-stock by Nov, 2020 Mentioned in Jan, 2020 Model Railroad Hobbyist p 67 also July, 2019 Model Railroad Hobbyist p 77
O (3 rail)	MTH	Walthers part 507-2097328	5526	As delivered	Listed on Walthers as "out of stock", Dec, 2020
HO	Athearn (Roundhouse line)	RND15701	5521	As Delivered?	unknown accuracy of car body or decoration. Announced May, 2017. Listed as "Sold out" on their website [probably long before] Dec, 2020
HO	Athearn (Roundhouse line)	RND15703	5541	As Delivered?	unknown accuracy of car body or decoration. Announced May, 2017. Listed as "Sold out" on their website [probably long before] Dec, 2020
S	MTH	35-75044	5520	As Delivered?	unknown accuracy of car body or decoration. Announced May, 2015. Unknown availability Dec, 2020
S	MTH	35-75045	5525	As Delivered?	unknown accuracy of car body or decoration. Announced May, 2015. Shown as "Available" on their web site Dec, 2020

Revision History

File History for THIS page
Date Who Description
31-Dec-2019 KG Akerboom Initial release
17-Mar-2020 KG Akerboom Standardized Don Clerke "source" link
29-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
16-Apr-2020 KG Akerboom Added more web sites: B&MRRHS Flickr, Fallen Flags, NMRA Archives, Earl Tuson. Also Scott Whitney (NMRO) CDs
23-Apr-2020 KG Akerboom Updated per B&MRRHS Modeler's Notes #39
05-May-2020 KG Akerboom Moved ORER notes into separate section
07-May-2020 KG Akerboom Reformatted "Special Lining" table
30-May-2020 KG Akerboom Added B&M RR [Employees] Magazine photos
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
18-Aug-2020 KG Akerboom Added builder's photo, courtesy of James Kinkaid
20-Aug-2020 KG Akerboom Added more Eric Neubauer data
29-Aug-2020 KG Akerboom Added "Canadian Freight Railcar Gallery" photos
25-Oct-2020 KG Akerboom Added Car Book Data
08-Dec-2020 KG Akerboom Added Kadee model
12-Dec-2020 KG Akerboom Added model info
23-Dec-2020 KG Akerboom Added photos from Highball Graphics decals site
30-Dec-2020 KG Akerboom Added MTH models
31-Dec-2020 KG Akerboom Added cars sold to GMR info per car records from Scott Whitney
07-Jan-2021 KG Akerboom Updated Kadee model info (hatch cover info)
22-Jan-2021 KG Akerboom Added pullman-lib.smugmug.com builder's photo
04-Jul-2021 KG Akerboom Reorganized Car Book and/or Car Disposition Data (Car # to 1st column, 2nd/other changes to new rows)
29-Jan-2022 KG Akerboom Added "Rail Goat" web site photos
27-Oct-2022 KG Akerboom Updated per [almost] complete ORER data
04-Jan-2023 KG Akerboom Fixed headers and footers...hopefully
23-Jun-2023 KG Akerboom Added photos of 5537
18-Aug-2023 KG Akerboom Added Flickr photo of BM 5543
20-Oct-2023 KG Akerboom Reading Co Car assignments circular

File History for THIS page
Date	Who	Description
31-Dec-2019	KG Akerboom	Initial release
17-Mar-2020	KG Akerboom	Standardized Don Clerke "source" link
29-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
16-Apr-2020	KG Akerboom	Added more web sites: B&MRRHS Flickr, Fallen Flags, NMRA Archives, Earl Tuson. Also Scott Whitney (NMRO) CDs
23-Apr-2020	KG Akerboom	Updated per B&MRRHS Modeler's Notes #39
05-May-2020	KG Akerboom	Moved ORER notes into separate section
07-May-2020	KG Akerboom	Reformatted "Special Lining" table
30-May-2020	KG Akerboom	Added B&M RR [Employees] Magazine photos
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
18-Aug-2020	KG Akerboom	Added builder's photo, courtesy of James Kinkaid
20-Aug-2020	KG Akerboom	Added more Eric Neubauer data
29-Aug-2020	KG Akerboom	Added "Canadian Freight Railcar Gallery" photos
25-Oct-2020	KG Akerboom	Added Car Book Data
08-Dec-2020	KG Akerboom	Added Kadee model
12-Dec-2020	KG Akerboom	Added model info
23-Dec-2020	KG Akerboom	Added photos from Highball Graphics decals site
30-Dec-2020	KG Akerboom	Added MTH models
31-Dec-2020	KG Akerboom	Added cars sold to GMR info per car records from Scott Whitney
07-Jan-2021	KG Akerboom	Updated Kadee model info (hatch cover info)
22-Jan-2021	KG Akerboom	Added pullman-lib.smugmug.com builder's photo
04-Jul-2021	KG Akerboom	Reorganized Car Book and/or Car Disposition Data (Car # to 1st column, 2nd/other changes to new rows)
29-Jan-2022	KG Akerboom	Added "Rail Goat" web site photos
27-Oct-2022	KG Akerboom	Updated per [almost] complete ORER data
04-Jan-2023	KG Akerboom	Fixed headers and footers...hopefully
23-Jun-2023	KG Akerboom	Added photos of 5537
18-Aug-2023	KG Akerboom	Added Flickr photo of BM 5543
20-Oct-2023	KG Akerboom	Reading Co Car assignments circular

Return to Top of Page