Gondolas

by Ivan W. Baugh

Gondola cars have an open top with ends and sides; some railroads offer fiberglass covers when a product needs protection. They often transport scrap metal, aluminum and steel products. The typical gondola has fixed ends, sides and solid bottoms. Specialized gondolas may have drop-down ends or bottoms that open. You may find it difficult to distinguish between a bathtub gondola and hoppers.