FVM 10079 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, C&NW Chicago & NorthWestern #880086 Fox Valley Models N Scale

This is the FVM 10079 Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper in N Scale from Fox Valley Models, representing C&NW Chicago & NorthWestern #880086. Note that the picture might show a different road number. The Trinity RD - 4 is a modern 4200 - cubic - foot aluminum coal hopper built since the mid - 1990s and still in use today. Railroads and public utilities use these cars in unit trains to transport coal from coal fields to power plants or export ports. The FVM RD - 4 Hopper for C&NW comes with new road numbers and is suitable for the era from 1994 to the present. It's from the series 880000 – 880249, built in Apr - May 1994. It's fully assembled with a detailed plastic body and die - cast weight with interior details. You can apply interior braces as a modeler. The removable coal load adds to the fun. It has detailed free - rolling trucks with 36” machined metal wheels. The body - mounted operating knuckle couplers are Micro - Trains® compatible. The printing and lettering are clear even under magnification. It's weighted to industry standards for reliable operation and can operate on Code 55, 70, and 80 rail. It comes in a clear jewel box for safe storage. The minimum radius is 9 ¾” and the recommended radius is 11”. Coal has been transported by train since the start of railroads, evolving from single - car loads to modern unit trains. Early cars developed into standard steel hoppers and then modern aluminum hoppers like the Trinity RD - 4, which has a wide range of paint schemes due to multiple owners. It can be emptied quickly through its 5 - bay bottom gates or with a rotary dumper.

Using this coal hopper model is easy. First, place it on your N - scale track that meets the code requirements (Code 55, 70, or 80). Make sure the track radius is at least 9 ¾ inches, but 11 inches is recommended for better operation. You can add or remove the coal load as you like. When handling the model, be gentle with the body - mounted operating knuckle couplers as they are delicate. For maintenance, keep the model clean. You can use a soft brush to remove dust from the detailed plastic body and trucks. Check the 36” machined metal wheels regularly to ensure they roll freely. If the model gets dirty, you can use a mild cleaning solution on a soft cloth to wipe it down. Store the model in its clear jewel box when not in use to protect it from damage.