Three designations of cars: 1/ Shipper owned(leased) ; 2/ Assigned cars; and 3/ Free runners. I think the ICC rules about 'billboard' cars pertain to assigned cars and free runners. John in Lansing, ILL
As of January, 1938 NO billboard cars were legal on any rails no mater how/whom owned them unless parked. The ICC ruling had to deal with the markings.
I am curious about the actual definition used by the ICC to limit the extent of such displays and if the limitation applied to all RR cars. I will try to research it, but in the mean time do you know where I can find more info? Thanks.
Edit: Another forum discussion opines that the limitation only applied to Billboard reefers because they were owned by private companies and not RRs. There was an economic consequence that affected competition with RR owned cars it appears. http://rypn.org/forums/viewtop...t=36392&start=15
The Billboard Reefers became a complicated convoluted issue back in the day. The ICC did not get involved by happenstance. The ICC was pressed into "service" by the "RAILROADS" so they could reclaim the refrigerator car business. Decades before this ICC involvement the Railroads gave away the business not wanting any more involvement. But now they wanted it back $$$$$ and press the ICC into their corner.
So the ICC conjured a way to intercede. They came up with their July 1934 ruling. Taking effect August 1, 1934 prohibiting NO NEW Billboard reefers. And effective January 1, 1937 , no refrigerator cars bearing advertisements of any shipper, consignee, or product, will be accepted in interchange or handled locally on any railroad. This was then extended to January 1938 implementation.
This got the RAILROADS what they now wanted, control $$$.
The BOOK also has chapters on "Postwar Renaissance"
Ron