Gondolas are crucial to freight rail operations. Designed for bulk or oversized loads, their low sidewalls allow them to carry a wide range of cargo, from steel plates, coils, and scrap metal, to ballast and coal. Some can additionally be found hauling pre-constructed track segments to work sites in maintenance-of-way service. First appearing in the 1920s, Drop-End Gondolas were built to allow for extra-length loads. The ends of the cars would fold inwards, allowing for loads longer than the gondola itself to be transported.

• Blackened metal wheels

• Body mounted couplers

• Non-magnetic axles