During the fall of 2013, Senior Design Students in the Department of Mechanical Engineering - Engineering Mechanics investigated a conversion application for disused centerbeam-type railcars. The design team evaluated means and methods of converting the cars for other purposes, such as flat cars. 

The team concluded that a removal of the centerbeam itself, and replacement structural elements underneath the car's frame would be the most effective in function and cost for renovating these currently disused railcars.