Up today we have not only a very nice OO gauge model but also the paperwork that goes with it. The model and forms are from William Gilbert. Gilbert worked in the railroad industry and one of his duties was to clear oversized or extra heavy loads, and as a model railroader he also enjoyed accurately modeling these loads.

The flat car itself is converted from an AHM HO car. Gilbert split the car down the middle to widen it to OO and added a new deck and bolsters. It is riding on Schorr trucks and has decal lettering. The load is what makes the car unique. The shovel arm is marked “Banner U.S.A.” and the (kitbashed) model looks well proportioned for OO.  (And yes, two of the tie downs are broken and I forgot to dust it off better for the photo…).

The car has three pieces of related paperwork with it. First up is the car card and waybill for the car from his freelanced Grand Island Railroad, which shows that the car was to be spotted at the Marion Crane Co. for loading of a new power shovel. The back of the car card having other useful notes, including that it is an AHM HO conversion and the note “H/W 5202.”

The more interesting paperwork is the H/W 5202 form, the excessive dimensions load report. This you will need to click on for a better view to read the fine print. From his background I believe that this is based on prototype paperwork in use in 1952, the date he chose, and various details can be easily gleaned by anyone interested in prototypical operations. (See also UPDATE at end).

This final scan is of the same paperwork for a larger load, a fabricated tank supported by two flat cars, the model having been featured and described in this earlier article. This form shows greater restrictions including a general speed restriction and more.

Both of these loads look great and these cars periodically run on the layout, very fine cars. And yes, my crew will need to protect those clearances!

UPDATE: The overall topic is outside my expertise but this form seems to have been in use at least since the 1960s.