FVM 10091 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, NS Norfolk Southern #390502 Fox Valley Models N Scale

The Fox Valley Models N Scale FVM 10091 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, NS Norfolk Southern #390502, is a great addition to your model train collection. Note that the picture might show a different road number. The Trinity RD-4 Coal hopper, a 4200-cubic-foot modern car, was built from the mid-1990s 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 - NS comes with new road numbers, suitable for the era from 1996 to the present. It belongs to Series 390500 - 390589, built in 1996. It's fully assembled with a detailed plastic body and a die-cast weight with interior detail. You can apply modeler interior braces. It has a removable coal load, 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 and can operate 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 mile-long unit trains. Cars have developed from early wood and composite ones to standard steel hoppers and finally to modern aluminum coal hoppers like the Trinity RD-4, which was built from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s. Many railroads and public utilities own these cars, resulting in a 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 like conventional bottom dump cars or unloaded with a rotary dumper as it has rotary couplers.

Using your Fox Valley Models N Scale FVM 10091 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper is easy. Just place it on your Code 55, 70, or 80 rail track. Make sure the radius of the track meets the minimum requirement of 9 ¾” or better yet, the recommended 11” for smooth operation. You can add or remove the coal load as you like to create different scenarios. When it comes to maintenance, keep the 36” machined metal wheels clean. You can use a soft cloth to wipe off any dust or debris. Also, check the body-mounted operating knuckle couplers regularly to ensure they are working properly and are compatible with your other Micro-Trains® models. Store the model in its clear jewel box packaging when not in use to protect it from damage. Be careful when handling the model to avoid any breakage of the detailed plastic body or interior parts. If you want to change the look, you can apply the modeler interior braces as you wish. Enjoy running this modern coal hopper on your model train layout!