MTL GM&O 4-pack - New Underframe?

[gbcaboose]

I just picked up the new Micro-Trains GM&O 4-pack of 50' green 'Cushioned...' boxcars. At first I thought they left a piece of the spur on the underframe, then noticed that it's in the artwork on the box. It' in the center of the underframe and looks to be about a scale foot long. It's the only Micro-Trains car I've ever seen with this feature. Any ideas on what it is? And was it specific to the GM&O? It doesn't appear to be part of the brake detail. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Thanks,

Mike

[chessie system fan]

It's a cushioned draft gear part.  I think MT has used it a few times.  It's relatively new.

[gbcaboose]

Thanks! I guess that's why it's on the "Cushioned" car.

[Curtis Kyger]

It's the Hydrocushion underframe. The can you see below the floor is the hydraulic fluid reservoir.

[wcfn100]

It's the Hydrocushion underframe. The can you see below the floor is the hydraulic fluid reservoir.

It's been a minute since I looked at these, but the underframe with that cylinder is the "Hydra-Cushion".  The Hydrocushion was the Pullman product of a differnt design.

I think I'm missing some detail, but here's a general idea of what the Hydrocushion looked like.




Jason

[central.vermont]

I think it's a grain dump. Some cars that were used to haul loose bulk grain had them. I think CN or CP had a bunch of these.

[wazzou]

I think it's a grain dump. Some cars that were used to haul loose bulk grain had them. I think CN or CP had a bunch of these.

I can't tell if you're being serious outside of the CN/CP reference, but the GM&O car is definitely a reservoir for the cushioning device.