Book: The Magor Car Corporation
The book chronicles the entire 74-year lifespan (1899–1973) of the Magor Car Corporation, which operated out of Clifton, New Jersey. Because of its unique geographic placement close to the Port of New York, Magor had a fascinating dual legacy as both a domestic supplier and a massive international exporter.
Kaminski structures the book to cover several distinct eras of the company:
- The Early Years & Global Export (1899–1914): Founded by Basil Magor and Robert Wonham, the company initially focused on light industrial rolling stock built for export, completely eliminating costly inland freight fees due to its proximity to the ocean docks. Notable figures like financier J.P. Morgan eventually became major stockholders.
- Domestic Rail Revenue (1914–1920s): The book documents Magor’s pivot to building freight cars for domestic American railroads, including its role under the United States Railroad Administration (USRA) to help build 100,000 standard cars during World War I.
- The Military & Marshall Plan Era: Kaminski highlights how Magor supplied thousands of military-grade railcars during World War II and the Korean Conflict, alongside acting as a key builder of rolling stock sent to rebuild Europe under the Marshall Plan.
- Aluminum Innovations (1950s–1960s): A highly regarded section for modelers focuses on 1959, when Magor built the very first aluminum-bodied covered hopper cars put into U.S. commercial revenue service—ultimately producing over 5,000 aluminum cars.
Delivery by U.S. Mail is $12.95 to addresses in the USA. Insurance is included. If you win more than one of our items please contact us before you pay. We will pack them together, and send an invoice that reflects a reduced rate for combined shipping.
Foreign shipping (if required) will be determined at close of auction.
Thank you for your interest.