Re: 9600-series open end gons

Andy,

You may have already seen this data from AFE 3296 on why the initial conversion of the 9600-9606 but if not, you may find it of interest.

DESCRIPTION:

Convert seven condemned standard gauge box cars in 66000-67499 series to seven narrow gauge
open end gondola type cars, to be numbered 9600 to 9606, inclusive.

PURPOSE AND NECESSITY:

In 1952, a total of 1,012 standard gauge cars of pipe were transferred to narrow gauge cars. It is estimated that the same volume of
pipe will continue for the next five years. What is presently being handled by three narrow gauge cars will be handled by one of the
converted cars, which are 40-ft. long, 80M capacity. The seven converted cars will therefore replace 21 cars now required under the
present arrangement. Trains in narrow gauge territory are limited to 70 cars, which is a restricting factor in the tonnage that can be
handled due to the light loads and number of idlers now in use. It is estimated that these seven converted cars will result in an annual
savings as follows, based on 52 round trips per year between Alamosa and Farmington:

Savings of 14 cars x 11 tons per car x 52 trips x 489 miles = 3916 MGTM
Average cost per MGTM - Wages @ $1.95 $ 7,636
Fuel @ 1.05 4,112
Savings in car repair costs 4,700
Estimated annual savings $16,448

Other incidental savings will be realized in reduction of switching costs, transfer costs, and will improve narrow gauge car ownership.

As a note, the estimated annual savings from the additional 13 cars converted later in 1953 (AFE 3367) was $30,526.

It is noted that Judge Wilson McCarthy did not sign off on this AFE until 5-20-1953 and the first signature was A. E. Rice on 3-21-1953.
So apparently that "odd numbered" 6600 mentioned in a previous text (and which had a builders date of Alamosa 2-1953) was a test example.
Initially, the estimated cost of conversion for AFE 3296 (the first seven cars) was $11,221.00. The actual cost was $10,837.33, some $383.67 under.

John T.