It’s time for a newly-tooled Covered Hopper! That’s right! Tangent Scale Models introduces a brand-new body in their PS4750 System – the N&W Roanoke Shops HC-71 4750 Covered Hopper, their new product release for August 2025!

Just eight months after Pullman-Standard released the groundbreaking 4750cf covered hopper, in February 1973 Norfolk and Western Railroad (N&W) produced the first prototype for their own “home shops” fleet of this in-demand railcar. N&W’s Roanoke Shops, based in Roanoke, Virginia, produced many freight cars over the years, notably the majority of N&W’s large fleet of coal hoppers. Roanoke Shops also constructed 1,500 of these 4750 covered hoppers in the HC-71 class, designed to handle grains, fertilizers, lime, and other bulk commodity needs. These covered hoppers still operate on Norfolk Southern in both original and repaint paint schemes, while at the same time some cars have been sold to other operators.

The Tangent N&W Roanoke Shops HC-71 Class 4750cf Covered Hopper is a state of the art, dimensionally-accurate scale replica with highly accurate “true-to-life” colors and precise letter stencils. Tangent Scale Models Roanoke 4750 model replicates the prototype’s unique features including the distinctive vertical huck bolt rows on the carbody sides, welded sill extensions, and high shaker bracket locations. The models also include variations in jacking pads, outlet gates, roof hatches, and brake parts. Tangent Scale Models replicas include their fine “near-scale” draft gear box with beautifully-rendered side “key” detail. Tangent Scale Models ready-to-operate replica is finished with coupler lift bars accompanying Kadee scale couplers and sufficient hidden weights to ensure the model operates as good as it looks. At more than 100 parts per car, not to mention phase accurate details, genuine Kadee couplers, and all-metal wheels, Tangent Scale Models provide you with a high-value-for-your-dollar model that will provide you with years of enjoyment and curb-appeal.

These products are shipping today! A quick synopsis of Tangent Scale Models N&W Roanoke Shops HC-71 Class 4750 scale replicas include:

• Dimensional accuracy – designed from N&W/Pullman-Standard plans and verified with field measurements
• Highly correct “true to life” colors
• “Hyper-Accurate” lettering including exact fonts and lettering placement
• “Near-scale” draft gear box with beautifully-rendered side “key” detail
• Multiple road numbers for each scheme
• Road-specific details for each scheme
• “See through” etched metal running boards and crossover platforms
• N&W Roanoke side and end carbody details, including distinctive side post huck bolt rows
• Accurate N&W Roanoke brake layout configuration
• Brakewheel housing and clevis options
• Outlet gates
• Original + replacement style roof hatch parts
• New jacking pad varieties covering N&W specific Roanoke production from 1973-1979
• 5 different AEI tags covering different applications
• Beautiful details – wire grab irons and coupler lift bars – no “molded in” plastic grab irons here!
• Separate air hoses
• Tangent Scale Models precision 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with prototype-specific rotating bearing caps (four possible options!) and separate brake beam part (2 possible options!)
• SKU-specific Stucki HS-7 Snubber option applied as needed on Tangent’s Barber S-2 trucks
• CNC-machined 36” wheels
• Genuine Kadee scale couplers
• Recommended age 14 years and older

Norfolk Southern (NS) “Conspicuity HC-71” 2005+ NW Roanoke Shops 4750CuFt Covered Hopper

• Product: NW Roanoke Shops 4750CuFt Covered Hopper
• Scale: HO Scale 1:87.1
• Truck: 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with prototype-specific rotating Timken bearing caps, separate brake beam part, and Stucki HS-7 Snubbers
• Wheels: CNC-Machined 36″ Wheels
• Era: 2005-2025

– NS “Conspicuity HC-71” 2005+ offers the contemporary modelers a beautiful repaint option. These car numbers are pulled from 1992-era full NS repaints (now with NS, not NW, reporting marks). The application of the yellow conspicuity stripes brings the cars forward into the 2005+ era. The models wear NS light gray and feature a smooth-style replacement roof hatch and Keystone Portloc outlet gates. The accurate 100-Ton Barber S-2 Roller Bearing Trucks feature Stucki HS-7 snubbers, rotating Timken caps and 36” all-metal wheels. Those Roanoke body details are all there, from the huck bolts on the side posts to the higher mounting location of the shaker brackets on the bays. Each Tangent car number is matched to prototype photos and features accurate NS Logo placement, CAPY, Instruction side lettering, COTS, truck class, and conspicuity stripes for these Roanoke-built cars. Yes, every car is different. That means that the jacking pads over the bolsters change as well – the 1973/74 built cars have the slotted style (SKUs -01 through -04) and the 1979 built repaints has the large circle style jacking pads (SKUs -05 through -08) If you look closely, you will see each model has a frame mounted AEI tag as well, correct for the era! What a variety of details for each car number!

Looking for more Tangent Scale Models Hoppers? Click here!