TUIS STEKL GONDOLA \VA8 NOT IN A WISECK ISTT FAILED L\ SEKVICK. 



'v ;iaTOa^msifc;Ki6i!;iTO:j^^ii;^*aatgt;^^ 



The structural weakness aud fraudulent character of all-steel pas- 

 senger car construction has been jjretty thoroughly exploited in recent 

 issues of Hardwood Record, and there is comparatively little to add 

 to the subject. One prominent railroad man discusses the question 

 very freely, however, and thinks that the future may possibly develop 

 a type of steel passenger car that is sane, practical and safe, but he 

 alleges much more has been done toward bringing the present type 

 into use than its merits warrant. Beyond specific objections raised 

 by many otl'.er authorities, he contends that the steel cars are noisy, 

 too subject to vibration and jar and too ditficult to heat and keep 

 heated. He says that the wooden car with a steel under-frame is the 

 best type of passenger ear yet produced. He also says that for both 

 interior and outside finish wood is much the preferable material. 



He believes the public has not been fully informed, and thinks that 

 public opinion has been unjustly influenced in favor of the steel car. 

 by reason -of the constantly reiterated legend that the steel passenger 



car provides added safety to occupants in case of collision or derail- 

 ment. He believes that owing to the thorough airing of the subject 

 that has been given in Hardwood Record, and through hundreds of 

 magazines and newspapers which have reprinted tb^ matter, for 

 tome time very little will be done by the railroads in adding all-steel 

 equipment. He was emphatic in the statement that already too much 

 all-steel equipment is in use. 



President H. U. Mudge of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Rail- 

 road informs Hardwood Record that his company has not gotten 

 along far enough in steel car passenger equipment to say definitely 

 what its procedure will be as regards putting on additional cars. He 

 does not wish to be quoted as having given out anything oflSeially. 

 However, he says that his road probably has more steel cars than any 

 other in the country, but is not putting on any more at present. He 

 thinks there is a general sentiment in favor of them. He says his 

 road Iiad never killed any passengers in its wooden Pullmans, neither 



SHOWING MANIFEST WEAKNESS IN STEEL FUEIOHT CAR CON- 

 STnUCTION. 



EFFECT OF BUFFING SHOCKS ON 

 END SILL. 



PRESSED STEEL 



