A welder is illuminated by the welding arc and sparks as he works to assembles the center sill for a gondola.
	The top of a steel covered hopper car for grain is being welded to the side of the car. During this portion of the manufacturing process, the car is placed on its side for ease of welding.
	The top of a covered hopper gets some welding attention Once completed, the top is bent to fit on the sides of the car. (Compare with photo above)
	A welder works on a "bath tub bottom." Thrall's aluminum coal gondolas are of a twin-well "bathtub bottom" design. The coal gondolas have a capacity of 117 tons.
	The top of a steel covered hopper car for grain has port-hole-shaped filler openings.
	An overview of the yard at Cartersville. The assembly building is at the left, and completed coal gondolas are at right on near and far tracks.