2020.016.F.085--phil weibler collection 8x10 print--CRI&P--new aluminum boxcar 20060 (Mt Vernon Car Co)--Chicago IL--1945 0000. "The Rock Island Lines hasn't really started using Army jeeps to pull freight cars, but with the new light-weight aluminum alloy used in the construction of the car pictured above, it really can be done. Designed by the Reynolds Metals Company and built by the Mount Vernon (Illinois) Car Co., the first of ten new aluminum cars was recently deliverd to the Rock Island in Chicago, where it was viewed by thousands of railroaders and the public generally. (Including, of course, K.T. Stevens, beauteous star of stage and screen who took a ride in the jeep.) The special high tensile aluminum alloy of these cars was first developed by the Reynolds Company for B-29 bombers, and because of the lightness and low center of gravity of the cars, they can be used to advantage on high speed passenger as well as freight trains. They have the same capacity as the ordinary boxcar. The new equipment which transportation experts predict will contribute greatly to rail progress, was the result of months of technical study and experiment, and while material shortages will limit production for the present, the Reynolds Company is looking forward tro extensive post-war markets on railroads. Five of the cars which the Rock Island will acquire are equipped with high speed passenger trucks and roller bearings, and will be placed in service as soon as they are received, officials of the railroad said."