Lumber Industry Favorites Keep Wood Protected During Shipment Lumber has always been one of the most difficult loads to carry by rail. Boxcars were typically used to provide protection from the weather. But small doors and large loads made loading and unloading an expensive, time-consuming chore. Flat cars eliminated the loading problem, but loads had to be tarped to protect them. In 1967, Thrall took the best of both ideas and created a unique car that would solve these problems. The All-Door Boxcar had no true sidewalls, but was equipped with four large doors which could be opened in pairs. This provided a 25' wide opening that made loading and unloading a breeze! And since it was a boxcar, the loads were completely enclosed for the entire trip. As the housing boom began in the 1970s, the cars became a common sight at lumber mills and yards across America. A great car for period freights, they can still be seen in service today. These ready-to-run cars are packed
