The Operating Culvert Car No. 6342 was designed to work with the No. 342 Culvert Loading Station and the No. 345 Culvert Unloading Station, and was produced from 1956 through 1958, and again from 1966 through 1969.

This modified gondola car came with a BLACK metal channel that would allow the culverts to roll to one end of the car. It came with seven culvert pipes. This RED unpainted car has "NYC" lettering that is over scored on the side, but the number "6342" is not underscored.

There are three variations:

Variation A: DARK RED Type 2a body that has "NEW 2-49" printed on the sides. This variation has a metal chassis and Type 7 bar-end trucks. 1956-58 production.

Variation B: LIGHT RED Type 2b body that has AAR trucks riveted directly to the body. No "NEW 2-49" date. Came with the separately sold Operating Culvert Unloader No. 348. 1966-69 production.

Variation C: MEDIUM RED Type 2b body that has AAR trucks riveted directly to the body. No "NEW 2-49" date. Came with the uncataloged Operating Culvert Unloader No. 346. 1964-65 production.