Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a handhold (10) is provided including a base handhold member (12) including a first fastening flange portion (16) and a longitudinally extending rod portion (14). The length of the longitudinal portion is sufficient to meet most if not all distances between fasteners utilized on railway cars and other transportation vehicles. A second handhold member (30) includes a base portion (32) having an opening 34 and an upwardly extending flange portion (40). The base portion slidingly receives the rod portion and thus enables adjustment of the distance between the flange portions. The rod portion thus may be cut at the installation site to meet desired length. In one embodiment the distance D.sub.2 of the second flange above or below the rod may be varied by utilizing a selected member having this desired distance. Also different second members may have selected distances D.sub.1 from the vehicle body.

Abstract: In a railway freight car an elastomeric boot is attached to the entrance and/or exit of a hollow sill or hollow structural member through which a brake rod passes. The brake rod passes through a brake rod opening in the boot in entering and/or leaving the sill or structural member, and the boot engages the brake rod sufficiently to substantially prevent moisture from passing through the boot and into the sill or structural member.