WWS Member Initiates Fundraiser to Save Legendary Hopper Car

Wig Wag Simulations’ Driver 8 has been busy at work trying to save the last remaining Pullman-Standard 4427 Hopper Car from scrapping. He has collaborated with the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum to raise $20,000 to salvage OFOX 77008, the final rendition of the legendary Pullman-Standard 4427 in interchangeable service today.

Background about the Pullman-Standard 4427 

During the 1960s, railcar manufacturers like Pullman were innovating their hopper car designs to meet the changing demands of shippers, who were transitioning from traditional boxcars to specialized bulk transport railcars. One of these new innovations was the Pullman-Standard 4427 Hopper Car (PS 4427). Produced from 1963 to 1966, the low-hip PS 4427 was the first of the legendary PS-2CD line of covered hoppers offered by Pullman Standard, and led a new revolution of railcar innovation. Thousands of low-hip PS 4427 hoppers were produced and traversed North American rails on different paint schemes. Yet, 58 years after the last low-hip PS 4427 was rolled out, only one remains: OFOX 77008.

Background about OFOX 77008 

OFOX 77008 was originally built in January 1965 for the Milwaukee Road as MILW 98550 as a part of 99 car Lot 9001. Later, it was sold to Wisconsin Central as WC 82236. Most recently, it was Interstate Commodities (INTX) 77008 before becoming RESIDCO (OFOX) 77008. It represents an earlier "low hip" production variant, differentiated by the lower-reaching side sheets on the car. It is currently painted in Canadian National’s railcar colors that are often seen on other CN rolling stock.

Preservation Efforts (written by Driver 8)

The current owner RESIDCO has stated that they plan to retire and scrap the car in April or May. RESIDCO is asking $10000 to sell the car, not including potential additional fees. If successful, we plan to donate the car to the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson, IN where it would join more than 50 other pieces of preserved historical rail equipment. Any leftovers will be donated to HVRM to assist in their ongoing efforts to preserve rail heritage for future generations to enjoy. If the $20,000 goal is not met, funds raised will be diverted to other ongoing rolling stock projects or towards the purchase of another covered hopper.

RESIDCO will officially retire OFOX 77008 on May 1, 2024. As of April 20, 2024, the GoFundMe page had reached $14,081 out of Driver 8’s $20,000 goal. Driver 8 and the Wig Wag Simulations team urge you and the rest of the railfan community to make a difference and donate to preserve this legendary railcar and add to the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s extensive collection of the remnants of railroad history.