52’-6” “Greenville Gondola” for the C&O

The C&O obtained ownership of 100 “Greenville Gondolas” in 1947 * when the PM was bought by the C&O. However repainting and relettering of these cars did not begin to take place until the early 1960’s when the cars needed repainting. Series numbers remained the same, with the C&O only adding a ‘2’ in front of the PM Series numbers - so the new C&O Series became 218850-218949.

The cars came equipped with standard Dreadnaught ends, Wine Door locks, Universal Lever hand brake over and Apex brake step, 1-3/8” hardwood plank floors and roping staples mounted horizontally above the trucks.  Interior hold downs were 28 folding stake pockets and the usual 1-1/4” chamfered rope/cable holes in the top rail.

The C&O modified these cars for auto frame service by welding an angle iron bracket on each of the cars four corners to hold their method of securing the auto frames.  Later when no longer in auto frame service the cars went to general freight service but the brackets remained intact.

*In 1944, the Pere Marquette Railroad received 100 of the ‘clone’ A.M.C. design “Greenville Gondolas” built by Greenville Steel Car Company, under O.O. 420.  These were assigned road numbers as Series 18850-18949.  

Decals are available for this car from Protocraft Decals