Product Description
70 ton 3-Bay Offset Side Hoppers first appeared in the late '20s and by the late '30s had become an AAR standard design with cars delivered from a number of builders in large quantities. The last of these cars were delivered in the late-'60s and many remained in service through the '80s.
These ready-to-run models feature: diecast slope sheet-hopper bay-center sill assembly; injection molded plastic sides, ends, and hopper doors; fully molded brake tank, valve and air lines; slope sheet braces; separately molded vertical brake rod and lever assembly; body mounted brake hose detail; “coal” load except as noted; body mounted magnetically operating couplers; close coupling; friction bearing or roller bearing trucks as appropriate for each road name. All road names are produced in multiple road numbers.
Southern Pacific ordered these hoppers on behalf of their subsidiary Texas & New Orleans in 1953 from Bethlehem Steel. SP’s adoption of heavy gothic billboard lettering was still a few years away. These cars were used for coal and coke (as presented here,) limestone, aggregate, sulfur and in later years unprocessed salt. This paint scheme will be available in 6 road numbers. $32.95 each.
