Built by the company shops in New Haven, CT in 1937, the 60000 series gondolas were 40 feet long and had four drop doors in their floor. Most were rebuilt into the 61000 series without the drop doors in the 1950's. The 60521 was one of ten that escaped rebuilding , and was the last 60000 series gondola in service. The Housatonic welded a snow plow to one end and used it to keep their line open in winter. The plow was removed before the gondola was donated to the museum on April 8, 1995.
Cosmetic restoration is planned for some future date.
Gondolas such as this were used to carry low value commodities that could not be harmed by the weather, such as scrap metal. Drop doors were useful for unloading coal or ballast from an open trestle into a storage area. 270302 Woodings track speeder Ex-Canadian Pacific Bought in 1996. Also known as track cars or motor cars, they were used by railroads to transport workmen and supplies for maintenance. They were also used by inspectors to inspect the right of way.