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GN-02 - CPR Composite "Baby" Hart-Otis Gondola

The CPR had approximately 630 composite (steel reinforced wood side) Otis patent drop bottom gondola cars number used for transporting coal and coke, later ash, sand, gravel, etc. There were two door release mechanisms used on the cars - National and Hart. CP has a total of 219 National door release mechanism cars which used a leverage-latch that used gravity to open the doors. The also had 411 Hart door system cars which used a rachette mechanism to move the door release hardware.

The model is the 38'10" 344001-344437 (odd number series) Hart-Otis cars built 1910 by Canadian Car & Foundry. The number of cars in revenue service quickly dwindled after WW2 with the last cars renumbered in the 347xxx in 1949. The last 38'10" car in revenue service, 347362, was retired in 1956. A handful moved into cinder service in the 416xxx number series and lasted into the late 1960s. I have one photo confirmed number, 416734. There were other composite cars that lasted to 1963. I have a photo of a 38'5" car, 347366, in 1963.

This model project is referencing Dominion Car & Foundry general arrangement drawing 10115 for the steel car and CPR composite gondola stencil 34-C-32 Rev. B and numerous photos.

For more detailed information on the baby Otis cars please refer to Ken Goslett's excellent 2 part series in Railroad Model Craftsman December 1987 and January 1988.

Kit Instructions as of October 23, 2025.

Photo of completed model

Final model design printed and ready for assembly.