Bluford Shops N 65218 8-Panel 2-Bay Hopper, Atlantic Coast Line #117183

A majority of 8-panel hoppers were the result of the rebuilding of other styles of 2-bay hoppers. Offset side hoppers were particularly good candidates for this conversion. The argument for the offset side car is that by placing the side sheets on the outside of the ribs, you could then fill the volume between the ribs with coal (or other commodity.) The downside was that the offset side cars were more difficult to build and repair. Also, the load often packed in the corners between the rib and side sheets, trapping moisture and making repairs more frequent. Rebuilding them with 8 full length panels and 9 posts was relative easy and cheap, more than making up for the loss in cubic capacity. The rebuilt car could provide another 15 to 25 years of revenue service.

Atlantic Coast Line’s response to the aging 2-bay hopper issue was to sell the cars to Berwick Forge & Fabricating who would then rebuild them into 8-panel hoppers and sell them back to ACL. Atlantic Coast Line moved more minerals, sand and gravel than coal so we are including “mineral” loads for this run.

Features:
Ready-to-run
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
Load included
Body mounted magnetically operating knuckle couplers
Close coupling
Metal wheels