large green maple leaf herald
In the late 30s, many railroads began purchasing 50' box cars based on the American Association of Railroads (AAR) standard design adopted for 40' cars in 1932. These larger cars allowed for more efficient handling of loads such as furniture, appliances and auto parts. As the cars grew in popularity, the AAR adopted new standards for 50' single and double-door versions, both with an interior height of 10' 6", in 1942. As the use of pallets and forklifts became increasingly common, the cars were often built with 8' door openings for easier loading and unloading. Production continued into the mid 40s, but these cars lead long lives, with some still in revenue service into the 1970s.