NEB&W Guide to Barrel Rack CarsThis file is open to website members only
Last Update: 2008-08-09
Tank Cars Table of Contents
Freight Car Guide Table of Contents
Rolling Stock Table of Contents
The earliest "tank" cars were of this type, which were rack cars for carrying barrels filled with oil. In this case, the "tanks" were upright.
The question has to be "Why?" The barrel cars were used because barrels could be handled manually.