As with earlier runs, the N scale Factory Dented 52’6” Mill Gondolas feature die cast floors for superior tracking and plastic sides, ends, draft gear, body bolsters and additional brake gear. The cars come standard with Bluford Shops metal wheels and magnetically operating knuckle couplers.

The Lightly Dented versions have multiple deflections in the side sheets above the floor line. The Medium Dented versions have the side sheets visibly puffed outward between the rivet lines as countless small dings to the inside faces accumulated and stretched the sheets into rough domes. The Heavily Dented versions also have the puffed out panels but to a greater extent – plus many of the ribs have also been deflected outward. The concave dent detail on the inside faces matches the convex outside faces.

Car ends and brake equipment vary based on prototype. Interiors have a rust effect finish. Each road name will be available in 3 or 6 road numbers – 1 or 2 each of lightly dented, medium dented and heavily dented versions. Minimum Radius: 9.75”.

Chicago & Eastern Illinois received this group of gondolas from Thrall in 1966. Props to C&EI for applying a “billboard” paint scheme to these fixed end mill gons. It also illustrates C&EI’s comical disregard for AAR size standards for reporting marks and road numbers. Like the C&EI itself, this fleet was later divided between MP subsidiary C&EI and Louisville & Nashville.

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