Operating Era: 1905-1970. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, AT&SF MOW. Santa Fe ordered its first Caswell gondolas in 1905, the class GA.O. From then until the GA.14 of 1927, over 9,000 cars were installed. The doors were opened by cranks on the ends of the cars. These controlled shafts that ran the length of the car. Each door balanced on bearings on the shaft. As the shaft was cranked towards the center sill, the doors opened. Cars built beginning in 1913 with class GA.X had safety appliances. All were quite similar through GA.12. GA.14 was 10" taller. GA.X through GA-3 used card holders for the light weight statement. Ga-3 was used in ore service and featured a second brake cylinder and thicker wood sides. Classes GA-11 and -12 had slightly revised side ladder grab irons. Virtually every class had different lettering. Many cars were rebuilt in the 1940's with AB brakes and side stiffeners. As older classes were rebuilt, solid floors were laid on top of the drop floors but the shafts were not removed. Decal set available. PLEASE SEE OUR MOW AND CABOOSE SECTION FOR OTHER #8500 SERIES KITS.