This old boxcar has a long and interesting history. It was originally the Lake Tahoe Lumber Company Boxcar No. 1. Later when the narrow gauge elsewhere was being abandoned, it was collected by Southern Pacific and designated SP Boxcar No. 21. Eventually Southen Pacific had no more use for it and it was acquire by Bill Dell. Bill kept it in his backyard in the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, Ca., and used it as a storage shed for about 20 years. During the latter part of this time the Carson & Colorado Railway, Inc. came into existance. Bill wanted the old boxcar "to be in better hands" at the train museum and offered it to CCRW president Dave Mull.

Early on the morning of May 6, 2007, Dave Mull, Rick Cromer, Rick Eckhardt, Chuck Carson, and Betty and Tom Dews all showed up to help professional boxcar movers Bobby Babcock and his son Randy load the boxcar onto a trailer for its trip to Fallbrook, Ca. to be restored to original condition. A car axle which had been specially welded to fit the boxcar was used as a dolly along with a 1920's era automobile tow bar.

The boxcar was carefully jacked up and put on cribbing. The dolly was put in place and the tow bar hooked on to Chuck Carson's tractor. The boxcar was moved into position, loaded onto a lowboy trailer, and secured for the move.

         


Unloading at the Babcock yard reversed the process...but this time equipment specially suited for the work was available. The car will be restored by the Babcocks at their yard, and will remain there until the Carson Colorado facilities are finished.