The Atlas 20006358 Slab Side Covered Hopper represents a classic design from the Canadian National. Available in HO scale, this model is in the 12 - hatch version. Note that the picture might show a different road number. In the late 1940s, the covered hopper car for bulk commodity transport in agriculture, chemical, and construction industries evolved. The 'Slab side' design, introduced by the Canadian Pacific Railroad, maximized interior width, lowered the center of gravity, and improved tracking stability. These cars were produced from 1950 - 1964 by various companies. Different roof hatch arrangements for loading were available, and side - sill openings became standard after 1954. They were common on Canadian and US rails until the late 1990s, hauling various goods like grain, malt, and cement. The Atlas model comes in 6, 8, and 12 - hatch versions, with or without side - sill openings. It features high - detail, prototypical accuracy, and era - appropriate paint schemes and lettering.
Using this HO scale Atlas covered hopper is easy. You can simply place it on your model train track and let it be part of your train set. When it comes to loading, imagine it carrying different goods like grain, malt, or cement as the real ones did. Just be careful when handling it to avoid any damage to the highly detailed parts. For maintenance, you can use a soft brush to clean off any dust that might accumulate over time. Keep it in a dry place to prevent any rusting or deterioration of the paint and lettering. If you notice any loose parts, it's best to handle them gently and make sure to keep all the small pieces safe.
