[bpratt]

http://www.elvastowe...reenshot&id=636
File Name: Drop Bottom Gondola 859
File Submitter: bpratt
File Submitted: 07 May 2009
File Category: NG Gondolas

Class 18 25 ton ”drop bottom” gondola 859. 100 of these cars were built by the National Car Company in 1904 as “Coke Cars” and looked much different than what we are familiar with today. The solid sides were lower than today but a slatted side “coke cage” increased the car's height to that of a box car. The tops were open but had a “roof walk” like a boxcar, and they had a very complicated bottom door opening mechanism.

In 1918 the coke sides were removed, the sides were raised, and the door opening mechanism was replaced with the much simpler current system. In 1926 they were further modified to have steel center sills and end sills, and the unique wood needle beams seen today.

This car was modeled from D&RGW plans from the Maxwell Collection and many of my own measurements and pictures. Most historical data is from Sloan's “A Century + Ten of D&RGW Narrow Gauge Freight Cars, 1871 to 1981”. Howard Saunders performed file and texture tweaking, all lettering, and initial testing. Herb Kelsey performed additional testing, and Tom Werb performed the final Beta testing. Several variations will follow.

A note of interest; This particular car rolled over when both sets on doors on one side were opened while the car was loaded with heavy ballast. The Friends of the C&T started a rebuild but decided the damage was too extensive to be practical so it sat dormant for several years. In 1994 I had the honor of being assigned Team Leader for it's rebuild, and four one week work sessions later it was placed back in service. After being returned to service, the Cumbres & Toltes installed an “F Frame” (a raised center section between the doors) so the car will empty more completely when the doors are opened.,

The screenie is courtesy of Howard Saunders

Original File Name = DBG_859_Upload._7_May_09.zip

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