BC Hydro Evans All Door Boxcar Build
BC Hydro served a significant number of wood product producers in the Lower Mainland of BC (the area from Vancouver to Hope BC for those who are not familiar with the area's geography) between Vancouver and Chilliwack. In the late 1970's and early 1980's BCH leased or purchased a large number of Thrall and Evans All Door Boxcars to serve these businesses. These cars were designed to allow easy access for loading and unloading while protecting the higher value products in the car from the elements. This was the era prior to center beam flatcars and plastic wrapped lumber and plywood. The All Door Boxcars served the lumber and plywood industries into the 1990's (and even a bit longer in some areas) until they were replaced by center beam flatcars and plastic wrap. The maintenance costs of these cars (door maintenance, etc.) was another reason they were retired. I have been interested in these cars for quite some time and thought it would be worthwhile to get a few