Abstract: A pedestal type side frame for a railway truck selectively having a sling type axle bearing retainer and a key-type axle bearing retainer. The pedestal includes a pair of depending legs defining a downwardly opening jaw for receiving an axle roller bearing. Each leg includes a transversely chambered portion and one of the legs includes a transverse ledge spaced below the associated chambered portion; whereby, an axle roller bearing is entrapped within the pedestal jaw by said sling having its ends anchored within said chambered portions and by said key-type retainer cantilevered substantially beneath the bearing from said ledge.

Abstract: A draft gear carrier attached to the lower flanges of a hat shaped center sill comprises a flat steel plate to which are connected first and second slide or wear plates which extend substantially the width of the center sill. The slide plates are substantially identical and, in assembling of the carrier, proper assembly is assured since the carrier is reversible and either slide plate will properly support the draft gear.

Abstract: A hopper car roof is provided with a plurality of hatch covers positioned over an elongated trough through which materials are loaded into the car. The hatch covers are locked over the trough by means of a hatch cover locking device which includes a hinge strap adapted to engage adjacent end portions of the trough hatch covers with the strap having an outwardly projecting tab engaged by a locking bar which is tightly held in a closed locking arrangement by means of an improved foot operated latch secured to the hopper roof.