Greenbrier, TTX unveil commemorative USA 250th boxcars

Railcar builder The Greenbrier Cos. and equipment pool TTX unveiled a quartet of commemorative semiquincentenial boxcars, the first such freight equipment to celebrate the U.S.A.’s 250th anniversary.

The companies marked the occasion at an event Tuesday at Greenbrier’s maintenance facility in Cleburne, Texas. Company executives were joined at the ceremony by elected officials, active military and veterans, employees and media. Federal Railroad Administration Administrator David Fink also attended. 

“These American flag boxcars commemorate more than 250 years of U.S. history by highlighting the innovation, operational excellence and strategic partnerships that drive North American freight rail today,” said TTX Chief Executive Tom Wells. “We are proud to partner with Greenbrier to deliver solutions that keep commerce moving efficiently and honor the enduring legacy of our industry.” He also thanked Williams Hayward Protective Coatings, which donated paint for the stars-and-stripes project on the 60-foot, 100-ton capacity high-cube cars.

Privately-held TTX is owned by the Class I railroads and serves as a cooperative railcar pool for boxcars, flatcars and autoracks, and other car types. The commemorative cars marked the completion of a 1,500-car order built at Greenbrier’s Sagun plant in Mexico.