The Atlas 20005782 ACF 3 Bay Covered Hopper in HO Scale, numbered #171024 for the Great Northern, is a must - have. Note that the picture might show a different road number. Introduced in 1961 by ACF®, this cylindrical hopper was a game - changer for hauling sand, clay, salt, grain, and bulk plastics. It was the first commercially successful tank - type covered hopper car design. Even today, some of the over 4,000 cars of this type built before 1966 are still in service across the US. Key features include see - through roof walks, blackened metal wheels, free - rolling 100 - ton trucks, detailed brake gear, AccuMate® couplers, and fine painting and printing.
Using this Atlas ACF 3 - Bay Covered Hopper is easy. Just place it on your HO - scale track and start your train operation. When you're setting up your train layout, make sure the track is clean and smooth for the best movement. As for maintenance, keep the wheels clean. You can use a soft cloth to wipe off any dirt or dust that might build up. Be gentle when handling the AccuMate® couplers to avoid damage. Also, store the hopper in a dry place away from direct sunlight to keep the fine painting and printing in good condition. If you notice any issues with the free - rolling trucks or brake gear, check for any loose parts and make sure they're properly aligned.
