1

                                                                   Exhibit 23(a)


                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectuses of Union Tank Car
Company for the registration of up to $250,000,000 of indebtedness and to
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated March 8, 2000, 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, 1999,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, Illinois
May 12, 2000