Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading open top railroad cars (46) utilizing a conventional material handling equipment item attached to a slidable structure (20). The material handling equipment item is equipped with a boom structure (64) and material handling device (66). During railcar loading and unloading operations, the operator positions and attaches the material handling equipment item onto the slidable structure (20) which is positioned adjacent to an end of the railcar (46). The front of the structure is engaged with the top surface of the railcar endwall (72) and the material handling device is positioned on the railroad bed (52) adjacent to the rear of the slidable structure (20). The boom structure (64) is then extended to position the apparatus atop the railcar (46). The apparatus (18) is then supported on the sidewall (76) upper surface of the railcar by support members (22) which are hydraulically extendable from the structure ends (36).