Coal remains a major commodity transported by rail today, just as it has been for most of railroading history. In the early days, coal was carried in simple gondola cars. As time went on, hoppers were developed to speed unloading. Today, both types of cars remain in use. Gondolas have grown in size and are now equipped with rotary couplers to allow them to be unloaded in rotary dumpers. While modern hoppers are now equipped with rapid discharge chutes to allow for very fast unloading. Many rapid discharge hoppers are also equipped with rotary couplers to allow them to be off loaded in rotary dumpers, giving maximum versatility. 

Features:

• Limited edition – one time run of these roadnumbers! 
• Two sets - 6 numbers per scheme 
• Expand unit coal trains in minutes 
• Prototypes also used for scrap & other bulk loading 
• Heavy die-cast metal underframe for improved performance 
• Separately applied door mechanism, brake details & interior bracing 
• Correct 36" turned-metal wheelsets 
• Proto MAX metal knuckle couplers on end cars; dummy knuckle couplers on intermediate cars