FVM 10048 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, BNSF/Heritage III #651442 Fox Valley Models N Scale

The Fox Valley Models N Scale FVM 10048 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, BNSF/Heritage III #651442 is a great model. Note that the picture might show a different road number. The Trinity RD-4 Coal hopper, a 4200 cubic - foot modern car, was built starting in the mid - 1990’s and is 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 export ports. This FVM RD - 4 Hopper for BNSF has many features. It has new road numbers, is from the era 2005 to present, and belongs to the series 651400 – 652574, built from Jun to Dec 2005. It's fully assembled with a detailed plastic body and a die - cast weight with interior detail. You can apply interior braces as a modeler. The removable coal load adds to the fun. It comes with detailed free - rolling trucks, 36” machined metal wheels, and body - mounted operating knuckle couplers compatible with Micro - Trains®. The printing and lettering are clear even under magnification. It's weighted to industry standards for reliable operation, can operate on Code 55, 70, and 80 rail, and is safely stored in a clear jewel box packaging. The minimum radius is 9 ¾” and the recommended radius is 11”. Coal has been transported by train since the start of railroads. From single - car loads to modern mile - long unit trains, the coal - hauling industry has evolved. Cars have changed from early wood and composite ones to standard steel hoppers and then to modern aluminum ones like the Trinity RD - 4. This modern aluminum car was built from the mid - 1990’s to the early 2000’s. Many railroads and public utilities own these cars, resulting in a wide variety of paint schemes. The prototype car has a 4200 cubic - foot capacity and is a Plate F car. The RD means Rapid Discharge. With 5 bays and gates at the bottom, it can be emptied quickly either as a conventional bottom - dump car or with a rotary dumper (look for the colored end).

Using this coal hopper model is easy. First, place it on the track with a radius of at least 9 ¾ inches, though 11 inches is recommended. You can operate it on Code 55, 70, or 80 rail. The model comes fully assembled, but you can add the interior braces yourself if you want. The removable coal load allows you to change the look of the hopper. When handling the model, be careful with the body - mounted operating knuckle couplers. They are compatible with Micro - Trains®, so make sure to connect them properly. For storage, keep it in the clear jewel box packaging to protect it from dust and damage. If you notice any dirt on the 36” machined metal wheels or the detailed plastic body, use a soft, dry cloth to clean them. Avoid using any harsh chemicals as they may damage the model. Also, check the weight of the model regularly to ensure it meets the industry standards for reliable operation.