Before the New Car Program (NCP) system, the Southern issued “Specifications” for new rolling stock. The Southern Freight Car Diagram book (published by SRHA) shows “100-Ton 47’-8” Aluminum

They were all built on one order in 1960 before the NCP file system. Dick

Here is a list of color Silversides photos I took over the years. If there is a “pattern” in them, it is that Silversides were delivered with Red lettering in 1960. Green lettering on (1973?)

I agree. I always thought the color was whatever was standard at the time they were painted.. Dick Virus-free. www.avg.com

I have no idea why the gray 70 ton hoppers were painted that way, but I remember seeing them occasionally in Lamberts Point mixed in with black N&W hoppers in the 1980s. As for the Silversides, I’m

He probably is referring to one of these cars; SOU (C of G) HT 74338 I shot at Linwood NC April 19 1986. Bob Graham -----------------------------------------From: "James" To:

Mike: I’ve scanned maybe 4,000 hopper, cov hopper and Silversides drawings and memos…..nothing! I expect many of the Silversides stencil color changes occurred when the cars were modified with

Given that the car vendors built (painted) exactly what SOU specified, I would suggest a quick scan through the NCP folder for an order of Silversides that had varying colors. While it's not certain

Here are two. Only Sou 74505 is properly IDd. I took the photo at Andover, VA 10-2-87. Another photo, Sou 74285, may (!!) have faded green lettering Ike

I always assumed that it was a search for a lettering color which would provide contrast on the TV screens in spite of any overcoating's of dust and grime. Sorry to speculate, but after assuming this

Because the covered hopper were first purchased for different commodities, I have always assumed that maybe the stencil colors on them were to show what they were supposed to carry. The problem with

George, You sparked my interest with the grey 70ton hoppers with black lettering. Might you provide some pictures fo these? James Wall Rural Hall, NC

I would add the Magor hoppers as well. Curt Fortenberry

Scott: For years, I have looked at stencil drawings, specifications and memos to find a “clue” to explain the different stencil colors on the Silversides, covered hoppers and the grey 70-ton

What were the different colors used to letter the Silversides? (The aluminum coal gons.) I gather the colors had meanings, either for which power company they hauled coal for or which subsidiary

Warren, that pretty well agrees with what I've heard and read. Siskin bought the TAG basically to give the Southern the single-finger salute. And apparently did so successfully. Bob Hanson Loganville,

Southern only began to pay the TAG any real attention after WW2. TAG traffic levels increased after the war and as the TAG's primary northern outlet from Chattanooga this miffed Southern. Because as

Ike: This is a very interesting letter to read and if you come up with more it would help answer some questions that I have. Mike

The flea market. WDS

Warren, thanks for the information on the TAG. Looking forward to seeing you book someday. Other than watching the TAG and the AGS, not sure why you would visit Collinsville. Hope to talk to you