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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. These cars were out of revenue service by 1950. One, 344197, was listed in the 1949 roster. A handful moved into cinder service in the 416xxx number series.

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 March 6, 2025.

Photo of completed model

Final model design printed and ready for assembly.