Coal has been used for heating and power generation for centuries. And for much of that time, it has been transported from the mines by railroads. In the early days, this was done with simple gondola cars. As time passed, larger gondolas and then open hoppers with discharge chutes were developed to meet increasing needs. As time passed, these cars continue to grow in both size and numbers. Today, both gondolas and hoppers are still used in the transport of coal. While hoppers have discharge chutes, gondolas do not. As a result, gondolas are commonly unloaded with rotary dumpers that turn the car to the side to empty it. These cars have rotary couplers to allow this to occur without uncoupling the train, allowing rapid offloading. These 14 Panel Coalporters are a common site at power plants and on many railroads across North America. Operated by railroads and power companies, these will be traveling the rails for years to come.

Features: 

• Sharp painting and lettering
• Prototype acurate paint schemes
• Kadee couplers
• Intermountain metal wheelsets
• 13 total road numbers available in two different 6-Packs and a single car or double rotary coupler car per prototype
• Road numbers TBA