FVM 10052 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, BNSF/Heritage III #651473 Fox Valley Models N Scale

The Fox Valley Models N Scale FVM 10052 Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper, BNSF/Heritage III #651473 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 built since the mid - 1990s and still in service today, is used by railroads and public utilities in unit trains to transport coal from coal fields to power plants or export ports. The FVM RD - 4 Hopper for BNSF features new road numbers, an era from 2005 to the present, and a series from 651400 to 652574 built from June to December 2005. It comes 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 fun. It has 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. Weighted to industry standards, it operates smoothly 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 been transported by train since the start of railroads, evolving from single - car loads to mile - long 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 was built from the mid - 1990s to the early 2000s. Many railroads and public utilities own these cars, resulting in a wide variety of paint schemes. The prototype has a 4200 - cubic - foot capacity and is a Plate F car. The RD means Rapid Discharge, and it can be emptied quickly either as a conventional bottom - dump car or with a rotary dumper.

Using your Fox Valley Models N Scale FVM 10052 Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper is easy. Just place it on your model train track that's Code 55, 70, or 80 rail. Make sure the track radius is at least 9 ¾”, but 11” is recommended for the best operation. You can add or remove the coal load as you like to change the look of your train. When it comes to maintenance, keep it clean. You can use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the plastic body and metal parts. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they might damage the detailed printing and lettering. Check the wheels and couplers regularly to ensure they are in good working condition. If you notice any loose parts, you can use a small amount of suitable glue to fix them. Store the model in the clear jewel box when not in use to protect it from dust and damage.