PROTOTYPE AND BACKGROUND INFO:

The Coalporter was developed in an effort to create a highercapacity, more efficient coal car. Built by Bethlehem Steel’s Johnstown American Corporation, the BethGon features all-aluminum construction and a unique trough-style bottom for added carrying capacity.

This ‘Bathtub’ design increased the cubic capacity of the car and gave the added advantage of a lower center of gravity for better tracking. Coalporters generally operate in solid unit trains. One end of each car is equipped with a rotary coupler, to allow a train to be fed through a rotary unloader without uncoupling the cars.

MODEL FEATURES:

• Separately applied brake wheel
• Multiple road numbers
• Removable coal load
• 36” machined metal wheels and RP25 contours
• Operates on Code 40, 55 and 80 rail
• Screw-mounted 100 ton roller bearing trucks
• Weighted for optimum performance
• Body-mounted McHenry operating scale knuckle couplers
• Highly detailed, injection molded body
• Painted and printed for realistic decoration
• Minimum radius: 9 3/4”

PRIMED FOR GRIME MODELS FEATURE

• Duplicated look and feel of “In Service” equipment
• Faded base colors matched to the prototype
• Perfect starting point for adding grime and rust

Order Due Date: July 25, 2025

Anticipated Delivery Date: January 2027

Looking for more Athearn BethGon Coalporters? Click here!