CGW 50' RBL BOXCAR #521

This 50’ General American Corporation RBL (AAR class for an insulated bunkerless refrigerator car with loading devices), designed in the early 1960s, was revolutionary for its all welded body construction and wide variety of load restraining devices available to customers. These cars were designed for transporting goods that needed to be shielded from extreme temperature variations. While initially used to transport canned goods and newsprint, the cars became very popular for shipping beverages and perishables. While not providing actual refrigeration a refrigerated load could expect to hold its temperature within a few degrees for several days in transit.