FVM 10067 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, C&NW Chicago & NorthWestern #880009 Fox Valley Models N Scale

This is the Fox Valley Models N Scale FVM 10067 Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper, representing C&NW Chicago & NorthWestern #880009. Note that the picture might show a different road number. The Trinity RD - 4 Coal hopper is a 4200 - cubic - foot modern car built since the mid - 1990s and 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. Key features of the FVM RD - 4 Hopper - C&NW include new road numbers, an era from 1994 to the present, series 880000 - 880249 built from Apr - May 1994. It's fully assembled with a detailed plastic body, die - cast weight with interior detail, and modeler - applied 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, and it's weighted to industry standards for reliable operation. It can operate on Code 55, 70, and 80 rail, comes in a clear jewel box for safe storage, has a minimum radius of 9 ¾” and a recommended radius of 11”. Coal has been transported by train since the start of railroads, evolving from single - car loads to modern 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 has a wide range of paint schemes due to being owned by multiple railroads and utilities. With a 4200 - cubic - foot capacity and labeled as a Plate F car, it can be emptied quickly either as a conventional bottom - dump car or with a rotary dumper thanks to its rotary couplers.

Using this model is easy. Just place it on the track that meets the requirements (Code 55, 70, or 80 rail) and watch it roll. The minimum radius for operation is 9 ¾”, but for better performance, use a track with a 11” radius. When handling the model, be gentle with the body - mounted operating knuckle couplers as they are delicate. You can remove the coal load for a different look or to clean the interior. The clear jewel box is great for storing the model when not in use, so always put it back in there to protect it. To keep it in good condition, clean the 36” machined metal wheels regularly with a soft cloth. Avoid getting the detailed plastic body wet, as it could damage the printing and lettering. Also, make sure the modeler - applied interior braces stay in place and are not accidentally knocked off. If you want to connect it to other cars, use compatible couplers like Micro - Trains® for a smooth connection.