2023 RailKing O Gauge Airslide Hoppers Announced
January 3, 2023 - M.T.H. Electric Trains will be releasing a series of 2023 RailKing O Gauge Airslide Hoppers in four exciting liveries beginning late next Spring. Each of these unique schemes will be available in unique car numbers and will be in very limited production quantities. The cars are expected to begin shipping to M.T.H. Authorized Retailers in May 2023.
PROTOTYPE HISTORY
General American Transportation Corporation produced more than 5,000 4180 cubic foot Airslide covered hoppers between 1963 and 1980 as a response to customer demand for larger covered hoppers capable of handling bulk commodities. These very common cars continued General American’s “Airslide” family innovations from the 1950s, and proved valuable to bulk shippers who wanted a larger car than the earlier-design 2600 cubic foot cars provided.
In an Airslide covered hopper, the bays are formed into two narrow, steep-sided troughs with a layer of air-permeable material at the bottom. Air is pumped through the material causing the load to fluidize and flow easily through the hopper outlets.
Check out each of the offerings below.
