FVM 10098 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, NS Norfolk Southern #390512 Fox Valley Models N Scale

The FVM 10098 is a remarkable N - scale model of the Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper from Fox Valley Models, representing NS Norfolk Southern #390512. 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 coal fields to power plants or ports for export. This FVM RD - 4 Hopper – NS model comes with new road numbers and is suitable for the era from 1996 to the present. It belongs to the Series 390500 – 390589, built in 1996. It's fully assembled with a detailed plastic body. The die - cast weight has interior detail, and there are modeler - applied interior braces. 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. The clear jewel box packaging safely stores the model. The minimum radius for operation is 9 ¾”, and the recommended radius is 11”. Coal transport by train has evolved from single - car loads to modern unit trains. The Trinity RD - 4 represents the modern standard with its high - capacity, low - weight aluminum body and rapid - discharge design.

Using this N - scale coal hopper model is easy. First, place it on your train track with a radius of at least 9 ¾ inches, though 11 inches is recommended. You can connect it to other cars using the body - mounted operating knuckle couplers that are compatible with Micro - Trains®. You can add or remove the coal load as you like. When not in use, store it in the clear jewel box packaging to keep it safe. For maintenance, you can gently clean the detailed plastic body with a soft, dry cloth. Check the 36” machined metal wheels regularly to make sure they roll freely. If you notice any loose parts or if the model doesn't operate smoothly, make sure it's weighted properly as it's designed to industry standards. Also, avoid exposing the model to extreme temperatures or humidity as it might damage the plastic and metal parts.