DROP BOTTOM GONDOLA 871 – RESTORATION
.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Old photos by George Niederauer; new photos by Stefan Niederauer.
The old very deteriorated interior, compared with the new interior with all new wood and bolts, repaired brackets, and wood sealed for protection.
The old car had more modern lettering on the old car spreads “D&RGW” above two sets of doors, compared with the new lettering of the late 1920s, which keeps “D&RGW” above a single door, i.e., between only two straps.
The old car used abbreviations for dimensions and included the “flying” Rio Grande at top right, compared with the new lettering that uses full words for dimensions and has no “flying” Rio Grande.
On the old car bolts were loose and the brake cylinder hung down, compared to the new car withnewwood and bolts, which keep the brake cylinder solidly in place.
(Left) April 12, 2012. Ron Nott uses a portable crane to lift one of the heavy side boards. (Right) April 28, 2012. The center floor is complete, nailed down with 40d (5-inch) spikes. (Photo: Duane Danielson)
May 27, 2012. Greg Simpson sprays a light coat of white on stencils he made, then hand paints the letters. (Photo: Duane Danielson)
June 8, 2012. The gondola is chained down on the trailer, ready for the trip to Silverton. The end sign, 8″ CARRIER IRON RIVETED, was placed on cars after their wood center sills were replaced with steel channels during their rebuild in 1926. June 8, 2012. Ron Nott monitors the other side of the track as the rear truck approaches the junction of the wood 2 x 4 rails with the metal rails. (Photo: Stefan Niederauer)
June 8, 2012. A vivid illustration of the contrast between the fully restored drop bottom gondola and the deteriorated bare frame of the high side gondola in front of the Silverton Northern engine house. (Photo: Stefan Niederauer).
