Bluford Shops 30′ 6″ 2-Bay Panel Side Hopper Bluford Shops is proud to announce their second group of 30’ 6” 2-Bay panel side hoppers in N scale. These cars first appeared in the 1930’s as some early 2-bay hoppers came due for heavy maintenance. A predecessor of Standard Railway Equipment introduced replacement side panels that were bulged outward between the ribs for the purpose of increasing the interior capacity of the cars. A number of railroads adopted these panels, or those from competing suppliers, for a portion of their 30’ 6” 2-Bay hopper fleets. These ready-to-run N scale models feature: die cast slope sheet-hopper bay-center sill assembly, injection molded plastic sides, ends, and hopper doors, fully molded brake tank, valve and air lines, body mounted brake hose detail, coal load; lever-style hand brake, body mounted magnetically operating knuckle couplers, close coupling, and Fox Valley Models metal wheels. Frisco began rebuilding their 3,500 car USRA 2-bay hopper fleet with panel sides in 1943. At first glance, one might think Frisco wouldn’t be much of a coal hauler. But in fact they served big coal producing regions in eastern Kansas and Oklahoma, western Arkansas, as well as an important deposit in northern Alabama. Much of this coal was interchanged to connecting lines for delivery to steel mills. This run will be available in six road numbers. Item number 62111 (single car): $23.95 Item number 62112 (2-Pack): $47.90 Item number 62113 (3-Pack): $71.85 Pre-orders are due September 30, 2016. Delivery is expected early in the second quarter of 2017. Continue reading...
Does anyone here know when the Frisco changed the colors of their hopper cars from black to red (boxcar red or a "maroon") Thanks, Tom G.
