April 20, 2021 - M.T.H. Electric Trains will be releasing several limited-edition releases of the Premier 2-Bay Fish Belly Hopper in both single-car and six-car set configurations. A total of four different liveries will be available and slated to deliver in November 2021.
Unlike equipment that carried a variety of loads, like boxcars, flatcars, and gondolas, this two-bay hopper was designed specifically for one cargo: anthracite coal on railroads of the eastern seaboard. Its capacity matched the volume of coal that a pair of typical 50-ton freight trucks could carry. And its “fishbelly” 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 two-bay car was ideal for delivery of clean-burning anthracite to coal dealers who served the home heating market. In contrast, dirtier-burning bituminous coal, used more commonly by large industrial customers, often traveled in bigger three- and four-bay hoppers.
MTH Premier O Scale freight cars are the perfect complement to any manufacturer’s scale proportioned O Gauge locomotives. Whether you prefer to purchase cars separately or assemble a unit train, MTH Premier Rolling Stock has the cars for you in a variety of car types and paint schemes.
Virtually every sturdy car is offered in two car numbers which makes it even easier than ever to combine them into a multi-car consist. Many of MTH’s Premier Rolling Stock offerings can also operate on the tightest O Gauge curves giving them even more added versatility to your layout.
Check out each of the schemes in the list on the left.
