Tom’s Raritan River Railroad Page

www.RaritanRiver-RR.com

 

 

 

 

 

Freight Cars

 

Through out the years the RRRR had an assortment of freight cars.  Here is a small sample.  In the early years the Raritan had many open top wooden gondolas for moving sand and clay for the many sand, clay, and brick industries that opened along the line.  These industries were the “bread and butter” of the little Raritan River.  After the depression, most of these industries closed, and most of the gondolas were scrapped shortly after.  A few survived as MOW cars, and the last one lasted into the late 1960s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gondola

 

Gon110b.jpg  44 of these 50 ton gondolas were ordered about 1910 to service the many sand and clay industries in the area

 

 

Gon110b.jpg   This amazing shot was taken of the last 50 ton gondola that literally disintegrated in the South Amboy Shops area in 1966. 

 

 

 

 

 

Covered Hopper

 

 

 

 

 

Box Cars - Leased

 

 

 

 

Box Car – Owned

 

Box100.jpg  RRRR Box Car 100 when owned by Conrail was moved to Lancaster, PA where it was used as a storage shed.  Picture probably taken in late 80’s or early 90’s.

 

My Story: 

I was driving by Quakertown, PA in August of 2002.  My wife was driving, with me and our kids in the car, as I passed the Quakertown Station.  I couldn’t believe my eyes as I saw what just couldn’t be!  I screamed at her to pull over (she was very freaked out) as I jumped out of the car and ran back to the station.  In front of me was this rusty old Raritan River Box Car!  I couldn’t believe my eyes.  I purchased a disposable camera, and took as many photos as I could. How could it be?  Why was it here?  Was it real?