Development takes time, and doing things right can take even longer. Since we announced our 4000cf Coal Gondola at the NMRA convention last summer, we have been refining our design and reviewing test samples. As many of our customers are aware, we have completed the testing phase on the N Scale model with only minor changes to some paint schemes remaining. We are now approaching that level on the HO Scale versions of this car.

We have made substantial improvements to the models and have added more details to fully reflect the individual nature of the various prototype cars. While this has taken more time than we would have liked, the results have been worthwhile. We have just received new samples of the HO Scale cars and are very pleased with them. We have not had time to properly photograph them yet, but wanted to share some quick pictures of them.

In the coming weeks, we will receive painted samples of the HO Scale cars to review. These, along with the minor revisions to the paint schemes on the N Scale cars represent the last few steps before manufacturing can begin. We are confident that we will have these cars out this summer.

For those of you at SUPERTRAIN 2012 this weekend, we have a special treat for you. Come by and see us, and more importantly the latest test sample in both HO & N Scale of our new 4000 cubic foot rotary coal gondolas. We will also have our latest Hawker-Siddeley 4 bay cylindrical hoppers on display. We will be happy to show you our latest products and answer any questions you have about them.

As with the prototype cars, we are producing several versions of this car in both HO & N Scale. While similar in appearance and basic design, each variation is important as it tells the story of the car. Where and who the car was built by, who originally ordered them and who uses them now can all be told by the version the particular car is. That is why we have spent the time to develop these versions and why we are providing the information modelers need to operate these cars in prototypical fashion.

We have added re-reinforcing plates on the top of the car, side of the car, and flipped the bracing underneath the car. Now the car accurately has an I Beam cross-member. The first version was incorrect, it had been built with a T Beam.

We have also added a chart at the bottom of the page to explain which cars would be used together historically.

We will continue to update information on these cars as more details and pictures become available. For now, enjoy a taste of things to come!

"Accuracy & Detail, In Scale"

All cars will feature:

• Fully assembled and ready to run
• Highly detailed bodies per prototype
  
• Photo etched metal parts
• Wire brake rigging where appropriate
• Body mounted Micro-Trains Couplers
• Accurate painting & lettering per prototype, including accurate road numbers as per actual cars
  
• Limited production run; road numbers in this release will not be released again

Version F002 - Built by National Steel Car in Hamilton

Spotting Features:

Built in 1978, these cars feature 17 side posts, 2 end ribs without gusset plates, sharp radius end corners, double holes on the bolster/roping plate, reservoir mounted parallel to the car side & located between the 5th and 6th major side posts (type 1 underframe). Note how far below the underframe the brake rods hang - the rod connects to the truck below the axles.

Used by: Canadian National

(CN reporting marks)

When delivered, these cars had CNHX reporting marks for Ontario Hydro. A few years later they were sold to CN and the "HX" was removed from the cars. These cars can be combined with CN cars of the B.C Rail/CN Version to build a 24 car CN Unit Coal Train.

CAD Renderings & Quick Pictures:

Reservations Are Open

Expected Release: July 2012

JMP