FVM 10083 Trinity RD-4 Coal Hopper, C&NW Chicago & NorthWestern #880124 Fox Valley Models N Scale

The FVM 10083 Trinity RD - 4 Coal Hopper by Fox Valley Models in N Scale is a remarkable collectible. 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 hopper cars in unit trains to transport coal from coal fields to power plants or ports for export. This FVM RD - 4 Hopper in C&NW livery has many great features. It comes with new road numbers, representing the era from 1994 to the present. It belongs to the series 880000 – 880249 and was built from April to May 1994. It's fully assembled with a detailed plastic body. The die - cast weight has interior details, and there are modeler - applied 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, 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. This car has a 4200 - cubic - foot capacity and is a Plate F car. The 'RD' means Rapid Discharge. It can be emptied quickly as a conventional bottom - dump car or with a rotary dumper due to its rotary couplers.

Using this N - scale coal hopper is easy. First, make sure your track has at least a 9 ¾” minimum radius, though an 11” radius is recommended. You can operate it on Code 55, 70, or 80 rail. The hopper comes fully assembled, so you can place it directly on the track. The removable coal load adds a fun touch; you can take it out and put it back in as you like. 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. If you notice any issues with the free - rolling trucks or couplers, give them a gentle check. The body - mounted operating knuckle couplers are Micro - Trains® compatible, so if you need to replace them, look for compatible parts. Store the model in the provided clear jewel box to keep it safe from dust and damage. Enjoy running this great coal hopper on your model railroad!