They are stand ins for the PS built EL cars as others have stated. The PS cars are riveted 13 panel cars, have grab irons on the left side, tow rings on the bottom of car side sheet and PS style ends. The Evans cars are welded 13 panel cars, have a short ladder on the left side, a pulling pocket cut into the side if the car, slightly different ends and braces on those ends. I believe the length, width and height are almost identical. I do not see the PS prototype being produced any time soon, so this is the best we will get. I initially ignored these as they are not completely accurate, but I have had second thoughts. I bought three of the four road numbers, and I will most likely modify them by replacing the left side ladders with grab irons and filling in the pulling pockets. I may also add larger stirrups and a miner brake wheel. Since the cars are black, should be easy to paint match them. Many EL cars in this series lasted well into the 80's in original paint on Conrail, so they will be right at home on my CR pike. I am also considering painting and decalling some Conrail GE52H versions of these cars with the same modifications. I need 100 ton Conrail gondolas and this appears to be the best option to get them. Thank you.
Jeff
