The Association of American Railroads had been trying to set design standards for freight cars starting in the early 20th century. The early designs were not widely embraced. Many railroads preferred their own designs. By the time the 1937 AAR boxcar was introduced, this had begun to change as each new design standard provided higher capacity, lighter, more durable cars. Just before the United States entry into the World War II, there was a push for a larger interior height boxcar. The first cars were actually built in 1941, but the standard was not set until 1944 due to the war. The new taller cars required new corrugated metal ends to meet the height of the car. These ends were made up of two pieces with the lower panel having 4 ribs while the upper panel has 3 then a space and a final rectangular rib at the top. Called a 4-3-1 (or R-3-4) Improved Dreadnaught end. The 1944 AAR boxcar went on to dominate boxcar products for years to come, with some in service into the 1980's.

Features:

• Fully assembled and ready to run
• Sharp painting and printing
• See-through running boards
  
• 4-4 improved dreadnaught ends
  
• 6' Youngstown doors
  
• Murphy panel roof
  
• 10' 6" interior height
  
• AAR (tab) side sills
  
• Correct 33" turned-metal wheelsets
  
• Proto MAX metal knuckle couplers