The X-23 class boxcar was a cornerstone of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s freight roster between the World Wars.  A classic outside-braced design, the X-23 was also the basis for refrigerator, automobile carrier & and cattle cars that served “The Standard Railroad of the World”.  As wooden freight cars grew obsolete, many were relegated to work train service as bunk cars, tool cars and even kitchens.  This car, originally numbered 511069, was converted to its present configuration in 1944.  These cars were all painted battleship gray (the railroad took advantage of the glut of war surplus paint).  It was retired in the 1970s.  The car was a part of the collection at the Grand Rapids Electric Railway museum and was acquired by NORM in 1999.  The car has been restored and is used to house the Museum store.

Builder	Western Steel Car & Foundry Company
Type	Freight Car
Description	Outside Braced Box Car
Year Built	1912
Retired
Acquired	1999
Seats	n/a
Length	42′ 6″
Width	10′
Height	14′ 7″
Weight
Trucks	Bettendorf
Engine	n/a
Control	n/a
Brakes	AB
Compressor	n/a