40' X-29 Box Car

Prototype Information

The 40′ X-29 boxcar, developed by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) in the early 20th century, became one of the railroad’s most common freight cars. Introduced in 1924, the X-29 replaced outdated wooden boxcars with a more durable steel design. Measuring 40 feet in length, it aligned with the standard size for mid-20th-century freight operations. PRR built the car with riveted steel panels and a steel underframe, enhancing its strength and longevity. Designed for versatility, the X-29 carried general freight, including dry goods, machinery, and packaged food. PRR produced over 29,000 units by the 1930s, making it one of the most widely used boxcars of its time. Many remained in service through the 1960s, often upgraded and repainted, before being replaced by larger, more modern boxcars. The X-29 set a precedent for steel construction in freight rail and influenced later boxcar designs.