Don't let that car float away. Actually the car is heavier than most, even when empty. It could only hold 4000 pounds of helium. So when loaded it weighed over 240,000 pounds. It was in no danger of floating away. Even in water it would go straight to the bottom.
I know it has been done in N scale. Would need to go back a few years though. Lionel did it in O about 55 years ago. Have owned them in both those scales!
So the warehouse clearly used to have boxcar service. I assume also that when Passenger trains called more often that the second track was needed. I'm too new to the NorCal Railroading scene to know the history of Lodi. I know Central California Traction has tracks in town and used to run up to Sac. I THINK that WP used to run into town, or Sac Northern, but am unclear on that. ATSF I don't think did or at least not through the station. Alas. I'm sure there are maps or old overheads out there, but I'm not familiar enough off the top of my head.
That helium car would be great to model. Though helium produces more of a Donald Duck voice than a Mickey one. To get Mickey Mouse you don't need helium, just tight shorts.:cute:
Atlas made a helium car in N-Scale 20-30 years ago. Note the Rapido couplers. RATS, sorry 'bout this. :-(
Are they that hard up for power? In any case, a very unique look and proof of the "there's a prototype for everything" saying again.
