FVM 10090 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, NS Norfolk Southern #390500 Fox Valley Models N Scale

The Fox Valley Models N Scale FVM 10090 Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper represents NS Norfolk Southern #390500. 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 use 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. This FVM RD - 4 Hopper for NS comes with new road numbers, suitable for the era from 1996 to the present. It belongs to Series 390500 – 390589, built in 1996. It's fully assembled with a detailed plastic body. It has a die - cast weight with interior detail, and modeler - applied interior braces. The removable coal load adds realism. The detailed free - rolling trucks and 36” machined metal wheels ensure smooth operation. The body - mounted operating knuckle couplers are Micro - Trains® compatible. The printing and lettering are clear 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. The minimum radius for operation 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. Modern coal hoppers, like the aluminum Trinity RD - 4, emerged as trains got longer, aiming for high - capacity and low - weight designs. The prototype car has a 4200 - cubic - foot capacity and is a Plate F car. The RD stands for Rapid Discharge, and it can be emptied quickly either as a conventional bottom - dump car or with a rotary dumper thanks to its rotary couplers.

Using this Fox Valley Models N Scale FVM 10090 Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper is easy. First, make sure you're using the recommended rail code (Code 55, 70, or 80) and a track with at least a 9 ¾” radius, though an 11” radius is better for smoother operation. Place the hopper on the track and connect it to other cars using the body - mounted operating knuckle couplers that are compatible with Micro - Trains® products. You can add or remove the coal load as you like to change the look of your train. When it comes to maintenance, keep the 36” machined metal wheels clean to ensure they roll freely. Check the couplers regularly to make sure they're operating properly. Store the model in the clear jewel box when not in use to protect it from dust and damage. Remember, the picture might show a different road number than the actual product, so don't be surprised if it's not exactly the same as what you see in the image.