NW 693510 (Norfolk and Western), 1967
Builder: General American Transportation Corporation (GATC)
Type: Insulated Boxcar (RBL)
Classification: Class B-98 (RBL)
Original Use: Transporting temperature-sensitive perishables and commodities
Build and Early Service
The NW 693510 is a 50-foot insulated boxcar (RBL – Refrigerator Boxcar Loader Equipped) built by the General American Transportation Corporation (GATC) in 1967 as part of Norfolk and Western’s fleet expansion to handle temperature-controlled freight. These cars were designed without mechanical refrigeration but with heavy insulation to protect goods like canned foods, beverages, or other perishables from temperature extremes during transit. The series, including numbers around 693000-693999, featured cushion underframes for shock absorption, offset sliding doors for easier loading, and Dreadnaught-style ends for structural integrity.
Introduced during a period when railroads were modernizing their freight fleets, the NW 693510 entered service primarily on N&W’s extensive network across the Midwest and East Coast, hauling goods between industrial hubs like Roanoke, Virginia, and ports or distribution centers. The car’s design reflected the shift away from ice-bunkered reefers toward more efficient, bunkerless insulated cars, which reduced maintenance costs and improved loading efficiency.
Service Life and Retirement
Throughout its operational life, the NW 693510 served on key N&W routes, transporting a variety of insulated loads, including food products and chemicals requiring stable temperatures. The Norfolk and Western, known for its coal-hauling prowess, also maintained a diverse freight portfolio, and cars like this supported general merchandise traffic. By the 1970s, some cars in this series, including similar models like NW 693558, underwent repaints and minor modifications, such as updates to stenciling in May 1971.
Following the 1982 merger of Norfolk and Western with Southern Railway to form Norfolk Southern, many NW-marked cars continued in service under the new entity. However, as trucking competition intensified and rail freight shifted toward intermodal and bulk commodities, insulated boxcars like the 693510 were phased out. This car was retired in the late 1990s or early 2000s, after over three decades of revenue service.
Preservation and Current Ownership
The Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway and Museum (TLE&W) acquired the NW 693510 in the early 2010s as part of efforts to preserve regional railroad history. Located on a siding near Providence, Ohio, adjacent to an old grain elevator, the car has been repurposed as a non-revenue tool and storage car for museum operations. Modifications include removal of any remaining insulation-related equipment and adaptations for storing maintenance tools and artifacts. It stands alongside other preserved equipment contributing to the museum’s outdoor collection that showcases Northwest Ohio’s rail heritage.
Similar to other preserved N&W boxcars, the 693510 serves as an educational exhibit, highlighting the evolution of freight car design in the mid-20th century. Visitors can view it on the museum’s grounds or during special events. For its exact location, check our interactive map.
Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Builder | General American Transportation Corporation (GATC) |
| Year Built | 1967 |
| Type | Insulated Boxcar (RBL) |
| Classification | Class B-98 (RBL) |
| Dimensions | Length: 50 ft 6 in; Height: 15 ft; Width: 10 ft 6 in |
| Capacity | 4,100 cu ft; Load Limit: 146,000 lbs; Light Weight: 74,000 lbs |
| Service History | Norfolk and Western routes, primarily Midwest and East Coast freight |
| Later History | Continued under Norfolk Southern post-1982 merger; retired late 1990s/early 2000s |
| Acquisition | Acquired by TLE&W in early 2010s for preservation |
| Status | Non-revenue tool/storage car; on display at Providence, OH siding in our north yard. |
| Paint Scheme | Faded original NW blue with “hamburger” logo |
Collection Details
Accession: N/A | Acquired: N/A | Status:On Display