This month, Bluford Shops is happy to announce their second group of N scale Factory Dented 52’6” Mill Gondolas. As with the first group (currently in production) these models feature diecast 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 6 road numbers – 2 each of lightly dented, medium dented and heavily dented versions. Minimum Radius: 9.75”.

Erie was the first railroad to adopt this design of mill gondola, developing it in cooperation with Greenville Steel Car in 1940. Ironically, this 800 car batch came not from Greenville but from Bethlehem over the winter of 1946-1947. Like Erie’s earlier batches, these came with Dreadnaught drop ends and lever action hand brakes.

Looking for more Bluford Shops Gondolas? Click here!