Description
A goal of the American Railway Association (ARA) in the early 1920s was to
produce an all-steel boxcar that could be recognized as a standard by the member
railroads. Although the original design presented in 1923 produced in excess of
60,000 cars, it wasn't until a new design was presented in 1932 that the member
railroads gave their approval.
After extensively testing five prototypes in 1933, over 14,500 cars were
produced for 23 railroads throughout the following decade. This design soon
evolved into the 1937, Modified 1937, and Postwar AAR box cars.
Although not the most popular design produced, numerically speaking, the 1932
ARA Standard boxcar is considered one of the most important designs in railroad
history.
Type 1 models feature a "long tab" body, Murphy Panel roof, and 4/4 Dreadnaught
ends.