FVM 10096 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, NS Norfolk Southern #390510 Fox Valley Models N Scale

The FVM 10096 Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper is a high - quality N Scale model by Fox Valley Models, representing Norfolk Southern #390510. Note that the picture might show a different road number. The Trinity RD - 4 Coal hopper is a modern 4200 - cubic - foot car built since the mid - 1990s and still in use today. Railroads and public utilities use these aluminum hoppers in unit trains to transport coal from fields to power plants or export ports. This FVM RD - 4 Hopper for NS comes with new road numbers and is from the era 1996 to present. It belongs to the Series 390500 – 390589, built in 1996. It's fully assembled, with a detailed plastic body and a die - cast weight with interior details. The modeler can apply interior braces. It has a removable coal load, detailed free - rolling trucks, and 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 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. Early single - car loads have evolved into modern long unit trains. Cars have developed from wood and composite to steel hoppers and finally to modern aluminum hoppers like the Trinity RD - 4. The prototype car has a 4200 - cubic - foot capacity, is a Plate F car, and can be emptied quickly either as a conventional bottom - dump car or with a rotary dumper thanks to its rotary couplers.

Using this N Scale Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper model is a breeze. Just place it on your Code 55, 70, or 80 rail track and let it roll. Make sure the track radius is at least 9 ¾”, but 11” is recommended for better operation. When it comes to the removable coal load, you can add or take it out as you like to change the look of your model. For maintenance, keep it clean. You can use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off any dust on the plastic body, trucks, and wheels. If you want to be more detailed, you can also use a small brush to clean hard - to - reach areas. Be gentle when handling the model, especially the body - mounted operating knuckle couplers. They are delicate and can be easily damaged. Store the model in the clear jewel box it comes with when not in use. This will protect it from dust and potential impacts. And remember, if you're a modeler, you can add the interior braces to make the model look even more realistic.