The Atlas 20006372 HO Scale Slab Side Covered Hopper represents the TH&B - Toronto Hamilton & Buffalo railroad, car #2844. Note that the picture might show a different road number. In the late 1940s, the covered hopper car for transporting bulk commodities in agriculture, chemical, and construction industries entered a new stage. The Canadian Pacific Railroad introduced a 70 - ton, 3000 cubic - foot interior - braced hopper with smooth, welded sides. This 'Slab Side' design maximized interior width, lowering the center of gravity and improving tracking stability. From 1950 - 1964, various companies produced these cars. Different roof hatch arrangements for loading were available, and side - sill openings became standard after 1954. These cars were common on Canadian and US rails until the late 1990s, hauling various goods like grain, malt, sugar, cement, or for sand service. 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 Atlas HO Scale Slab Side Covered Hopper is a breeze. Just place it on your model train tracks like you would with other cars in your collection. When it comes to what to load it with, you can use small grains, sand, or other fine materials to mimic real - world cargo. As for maintenance, keep it in a dry place to prevent rust. If it gets dirty, use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe it clean. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage the paint and details. Also, be careful when handling it to prevent any parts from breaking off. This model is a great addition to your collection and will provide hours of enjoyment if you take good care of it.
