2024 O Scale Premier 70-ton 3-Bay Hopper Car Announced

September 12, 2023 - M.T.H. Electric Trains will be releasing the 2024 2024 O Scale Premier 70-ton 3-Bay Hopper Car Announced in four popular roadnames next Spring. Each of these offerings will be available in single car and 4-car configurations in unique car numbers. All are limited in production and expected to begin shipping to M.T.H. Authorized Retailers in June 2024.

Check out each of the offerings in the list on the left.

PROTOTYPE HISTORY

Unlike equipment that carried a variety of loads, like boxcars, flatcars, and gondolas, this 3-bay hopper was designed specifically for one cargo: bituminous coal. Its capacity matched the volume of coal that a pair of typical 70-ton freight trucks could carry. And its slope sheets — the angled floors at either end of the car — were set at precisely the angle at which coal would flow easily from its bottom doors. (Covered grain hoppers, for example, require much steeper slope sheets.)

The large 3-bay car was ideal for delivery of bituminous coal to large industrial customers and railroads. In contrast, cleaner-burning anthracite coal, shipped more commonly to small, local coal dealers who served the home heating market, often traveled in smaller 2-bay hoppers.

Check out each of the offerings in the list on the left.