What a coil car does
Coil cars are designed to carry large rolls of sheet steel. The load is extremely heavy and concentrated, so the car uses purpose-built cradles or troughs to support and restrain the coils.
How to identify one
Many coil cars have one or more rounded removable hoods that cover the load. With the hood removed, the steel-coil troughs and cradles are easier to see. Some designs are open rather than hooded.
Why the hood matters
The hood protects certain steel products from weather and contamination. It is not the structural tank of the car; it is a removable cover over the load area.
How it differs from a gondola
A gondola is a general open-top car with fixed sides and a comparatively flat floor. A coil car is built specifically around shaped supports for cylindrical steel coils.
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