FVM 10060 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, BNSF/Heritage III #651546 Fox Valley Models N Scale

The FVM 10060 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper from Fox Valley Models in N Scale, BNSF/Heritage III #651546, is a remarkable model. Note that the picture might show a different road number. The Trinity RD-4 Coal hopper is a 4200-cubic-foot modern car built since the mid-1990s and still in service today. Railroads and public utilities use these aluminum hopper cars in unit trains to transport coal from fields to power plants or ports for export. The FVM RD-4 Hopper - BNSF features new road numbers, an era from 2005 to the present, and a series from 651400 - 652574 built from Jun - Dec 2005. It's fully assembled with a detailed plastic body, die-cast weight with interior detail, and modeler-applied interior braces. It has a removable coal load, detailed free-rolling trucks, 36” machined metal wheels, body-mounted operating knuckle couplers compatible with Micro-Trains®, and legible printing and lettering even under magnification. Weighted to industry standards, it operates on Code 55, 70, and 80 rail. It comes in a clear jewel box for safe storage, with a minimum radius of 9 ¾” and a recommended radius of 11”. Coal has been transported by train since the start of railroads, evolving from single-car loads to modern unit trains. Cars developed from early wood and composite ones to standard steel hoppers, and finally, the aluminum body became standard for modern coal hoppers. The Trinity RD-4 Coal hopper, built from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, is owned by several railroads and public utilities, sporting various paint schemes. With a 4200-cubic-foot capacity and labeled as a Plate F car, it's large. The 'RD' means Rapid Discharge. It can be emptied quickly like conventional bottom dump cars or with a rotary dumper as it has rotary couplers.

Using this coal hopper model is easy. Just place it on your Code 55, 70, or 80 rail track. Make sure the radius of the track is at least 9 ¾”, but 11” is recommended for better operation. You can remove the coal load whenever you want and add it back later for a different look. The body-mounted operating knuckle couplers are compatible with Micro-Trains®, so you can connect it to other train cars easily. When it comes to maintenance, keep it in the clear jewel box when not in use to protect it from dust and damage. If you notice any dirt on the model, use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe it clean. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials as they could damage the detailed plastic body, the printing, or the metal wheels. Also, be careful when handling the model to prevent any accidental breakage of the couplers or other small parts.