Abstract: A gondola car includes top chord sections; a pair of end walls and sidewalls coupled to the top chord structure, wherein each sidewall includes at least one side sheet a plurality of side stakes and side sill; and an underframe construction including a center sill running the length of the car, bolsters configured to be above truck assemblies and coupled to the center sill and a plurality of lateral I-Beam cross bearers that extend from the center sill toward and stopping short of the inside of the side sheet, and wherein the cross bearers include vertical connection plates configures for coupling to side stakes which are positioned between the bolsters, and longitudinal stringers extending from select ones of the cross bearers to one of the bolsters and longitudinal stringers extending from each bolster to one end wall structure of the pair of end walls.

Abstract: An open top gondola car includes top chord sections; a pair of end walls and side walls coupled to the top chord structure, wherein each sidewall includes a side sheet a plurality of side stakes and side sill; and an underframe construction including a center sill running the length of the car, bolsters configured to be above truck assemblies and coupled to the center sill and a plurality of lateral I-Beam cross bearers that extend from the center sill toward and stopping short of the inside of the side sheet, and wherein the cross bearers include vertical connection plates configures for coupling to side stakes which are positioned between the bolsters.

Abstract: An open top gondola car includes top chord sections; a pair of end walls and side walls coupled to the top chord structure, wherein each sidewall includes a side sheet a plurality of side stakes and side sill; and an underframe construction including a center sill running the length of the car, bolsters configured to be above truck assemblies and coupled to the center sill and a plurality of lateral I-Beam cross bearers that extend from the center sill toward and stopping short of the inside of the side sheet, and wherein the cross bearers include vertical connection plates configures for coupling to side stakes which are positioned between the bolsters.

Abstract: A method of modification of a railcar which includes providing an existing railcar with a cold formed center sill; removing an upper portion of the railcar; Cutting and splicing the center sill; Forming an upper railcar body having top chord sections and a pair of end walls and side walls coupled to the top chord structure, wherein each sidewall includes a side sheet, a plurality of side stakes and side sill; Forming an underframe construction including the spliced center sill, bolsters configured to be above truck assemblies and coupled to the center sill and a plurality of lateral I-Beam cross bearers that extend from the center sill toward and stopping short of the inside of the side sheet, and wherein the cross bearers include vertical connection plates configures for coupling to side stakes which are positioned between the bolsters; and Coupling the upper body to the underframe.

Abstract: The railcar includes modified side top chord members which allow for increased hauling capacity. Additionally, the side top chord member is designed to improve the loading characteristics of this member. The end top chord members and corner cap member have been designed to minimize the fabrication and assembly process. The end top chord members have been designed to improve the stress distribution through this member. All of these characteristics combine to form an improved top chord structure for the railcar.

Abstract: The railcar includes modified side top chord members which allow for increased hauling capacity. Additionally, the side top chord member is designed to improve the loading characteristics of this member. The end top chord members and corner cap member have been designed to minimize the fabrication and assembly process. The end top chord members have been designed to improve the stress distribution through this member. All of these characteristics combine to form an improved top chord structure for the railcar.