Operating Era: 1916-1975. Pennsylvania RR, New York Central, Baltimore & Ohio, Pittsburgh, McKeesport & Youghiogheny, Reading, Pittsburgh & Lake Erie. USRA ordered 4,500 46' mill gondolas for B&O, Reading, NYC (including PMcK&Y) and PRR.
The cars were based on the W&LE design of 1916 but with wood floors because of war
shortages.
Like the other USRA designs, several railroads adopted it as their standard car of the 1920's.
B&O, Reading and NYC ordered thousands of the cars. The unusual design was a pivoting brake
staff that could be used whether the ends were tight or dropped.