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                                                           Exhibit 23(a)







                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Experts" and
"Selected Financial Information" in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and
related Prospectus of Union Tank Car Company for the registration of Pass
Through Certificates Series 1995-A, and to the incorporation by reference
therein of our report dated March 8, 1995, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Union Tank Car Company included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1994, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.



                                                /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP 
                                                ---------------------
                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Chicago, Illinois
August 8, 1995