I imagine these have not changed much, but I am having a bit of trouble finding a pic of one from 1950-1960. I am hoping for one (or info) of a covered car. IHB, pennsy, B&O, EJ&E if you please....
Actually coil cars (with the removeable hoods) are fairly recent inventions from the late 60's early 70's. Before that coil was normally shipped in open gondolas. There were some hinged cover gons (AHM/IHC offered a model of a NYC/PLE version) but they were fairly rare.
You might not be able to find a pick from the 1950's because they didn't exist (at least in the form you are looking for).
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
The PRR went through quite a series of transitions from Gons and box cars through home built coil cars some of which are still around today in PRR paint. Check the last couple of issues of the Keystone Modeler. Jack Consoli did a presentation on them at the last National Convention and if it hasn't appeared yet it soon will in great detail. The Keystone modleler is free and can be accessed through the RRT&HS web site.
Thank you for the info.