Standard American 40 foot box cars from the past.

Standard American 40 foot box cars from the past., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

For many years, 40 foot box cars were the industry standard for hauling freight on America's railroads.

The two 40 ft cars that are seen here, were from a colorful period of everyday American railroading.

The car to the left, wears the 1950's era green and yellow colors and markings from the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad. The car to the right, wears the 1967 orange "New Image" color scheme from the former Illinois Central Railroad.