Master Car Builders' Association (MCB)

Established 5/15/1867 in Springfield, MA^[1] to deal with the problems created by interchanging freight cars before industry standards existed.

The objects of the [Master Car Builder's Association] were the advancement of knowledge concerning the construction, maintenance, and service of railroad cars and parts thereof, by investigations through committees and discussions in conventions; to provides an organization through which the members and the companies hey represent, might agree upon such joint action as might be required to bring about uniformity and interchangeability in the parts of railroad cars, to improve their construction, and to adjust the mutual interest growing out of the interchange and repair, but the action of the Association was only of a recommendatory character, and was not binding upon any of its members, or the companies represented in it.

- C. E. Chambers, former President of Master Car Builders' Association

The MCB merged with the American Railway Master Mechanics' Association to become the Mechanical Section American Railroad Association (ARA).

Notable Events:

• 1882: Reorganized to broaden the scope of their work and include representation by each railroad.
• 1887: Adopted the automatic coupler as standard
• 1903: Began regulating construction of tank cars
• 1888: Adopted the automatic air brake as standard