This HO scale Atlas 20006294 FMC 5503 52-foot double-door boxcar is for Golden West Service #780002, coming in blue, yellow, and red. Note that the picture might show a different road number. In the past fifty years, box cars usually had one of five distinct frame lengths: 40, 50, 52, 60, and 86 feet. The 52-foot box cars are the least common. Despite being fewer in number compared to shorter and longer ones, the 52-foot non-insulated box designs are important in the lumber industry. This car is like a “stretched” 5277 with one-foot added outside the bolsters, giving it a unique overhang. It has double sliding doors and a cushioned underframe. Southern Pacific was the only original operator, ordering 700 of these uniquely - looking boxcars for Southern Pacific (525 cars), Amador Central (75 cars), and the Longview, Portland & Northern (100 cars). Features include double sliding doors, wire grabs, etched parts, a Plate C Box Car, and an X - Panel Roof.
Using this boxcar is simple. Just place it on your HO scale train track and connect it to your train set. When handling, be gentle to avoid damaging the wire grabs and etched parts. To keep it in good shape, regularly clean the car with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. If it gets dirty, you can use a mild soap and water solution, but make sure to dry it thoroughly afterwards. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading. Also, be careful when opening and closing the double sliding doors to prevent them from getting stuck.
