FVM 10122 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, UP Union Pacific/Building America #503609 Fox Valley Models N Scale

The Fox Valley Models N Scale FVM 10122 Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper is a great addition to your model train collection. It features the UP Union Pacific or Building America livery with road number #503609, though the picture might show a different road number. The Trinity RD - 4 Coal hopper is a modern 4200 - cubic - foot 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 export ports. This FVM RD - 4 Hopper for UP offers new road numbers, and it's from the era of 2003 to present. It belongs to the series 503600 - 503959, built from Oct 03 to Jan 04. It comes fully assembled with a detailed plastic body. The die - cast weight has interior details, and there are modeler - applied interior braces. The removable coal load adds realism. The detailed free - rolling trucks and 36” machined metal wheels ensure smooth operation. It has body - mounted operating knuckle couplers compatible with Micro - Trains®. 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 packaging 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. Cars have developed from early wood and composite to standard steel hoppers, and finally to modern aluminum ones like the Trinity RD - 4. These cars, owned by various railroads and public utilities, have a wide range of paint schemes. The prototype has a 4200 - cubic - foot capacity and is a Plate F car. The RD means Rapid Discharge, and with 5 bottom - gated bays, it can be emptied quickly either as a conventional bottom - dump car or with a rotary dumper (look for the colored end).

Using your Fox Valley Models N Scale FVM 10122 Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper is easy. Just place it on your model train track of Code 55, 70, or 80 rail. Make sure the track radius is at least 9 ¾”, but 11” is recommended for smoother operation. You can attach it to other cars using the body - mounted operating knuckle couplers that are compatible with Micro - Trains®. The removable coal load allows you to add or remove it as you like for different looks. When it comes to maintenance, keep it clean. You can use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the body and wheels. Avoid getting the model wet as it may damage the plastic body and the detailed printing. Store it in the provided clear jewel box when not in use to protect it from dust and scratches. If you notice any loose parts, like the modeler - applied interior braces, you can carefully re - attach them. That's all you need to know to enjoy your coal hopper model for a long time.