FVM 10070 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, C&NW Chicago & NorthWestern #880024 Fox Valley Models N Scale

The Fox Valley Models N Scale FVM 10070 Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper represents the C&NW Chicago & NorthWestern #880024. Note that the picture might show a different road number. The Trinity RD - 4 Coal hopper is a modern 4200 - cubic - foot aluminum car built since the mid - 1990s and still in service today. Railroads and public utilities use these hoppers in unit trains to transport coal from fields to power plants or export ports. This FVM RD - 4 Hopper for C&NW features new road numbers, suitable for the era from 1994 to the present. It belongs to the Series 880000 – 880249, built in Apr - May 1994. It's fully assembled with a detailed plastic body and die - cast weight with interior detail. You can apply modeler - applied interior braces. The removable coal load adds 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. It comes in a clear jewel box for safe storage. The minimum radius is 9 ¾” and the recommended radius is 11”. Coal has a long history of train transportation, evolving from single - car loads to modern unit trains. Cars have developed from early wood and composite ones to standard steel hoppers and finally to modern aluminum hoppers like the Trinity RD - 4, which offers a variety of paint schemes due to multiple owners. The prototype has a large 4200 - cubic - foot capacity and can be emptied quickly through bottom gates or a rotary dumper.

Using your Fox Valley Models N Scale FVM 10070 Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper is easy. First, you can place the removable coal load inside the hopper to make it look realistic. Then, connect it to your train using the body - mounted operating knuckle couplers, which are compatible with Micro - Trains®. Run it on Code 55, 70, or 80 rail, but make sure the track radius is at least 9 ¾” and preferably 11”. When not in use, store it in the clear jewel box provided to keep it safe. For maintenance, gently clean the detailed plastic body with a soft cloth. Check the die - cast weight and interior details periodically to ensure they're in good condition. If the wheels seem dirty, use a mild cleaner to clean them. Be careful when handling the modeler - applied interior braces to avoid damage. And that's all you need to know to enjoy your coal hopper model!