(erielack) EL FBR-1 Photo id

["rdukarm" <rdukarm_@_adelphia.net>]

The flatcar in the photo definitely appears to be a "Reacher" car used on the Float
Bridges. Hence its number: EL FBR-1. This one is quite unusual as all the flats
I've seen in this service were numbered in the 6-digit company service series, with
the first three digits being 443.

The EL did use plain flats. You can see EL 443063 on page 9 of "Erie Lackawanna
in Color, Volume 4, The Early Years" by Larry DeYoung.

I have another photo of reacher car EL 443075 from John C. LaRue Jr. This flat has
a small metal box built on it, not unlike a transfer caboose. The box is offset to one
side. The ends are built up to support grab irons. The box has a smokejack. It appears
smaller than EL's T-series transfer cabooses. Apparently the shop forces modified
these reacher cars to meet the needs of its crew.

Car EL FBR-1 appears to have added weight placed down its center. The low profile
of a flat allows the engine crew to more easily see spotting and coupling operations.
Some of this line-of-sight was sacrificed for warmth and shelter on car EL 443075.

Ronald R. Dukarm  ELHS 532  ELHTS 66
rdukarm_@_adelphia.net


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