The Atlas 20006559 HO Scale PS-2 Covered Hopper from Smith Douglass, SDCX #32, comes in eye - catching gray, red, and white colors. Note that the picture might show a different road number. Covered hoppers are a modern addition to the car family. Before the 1980s, the AAR regarded them as “special” cars, but then they got their own car type code. Initially designed for efficient cement loading and unloading (before, cement was bagged and put in box cars), this two - bay design by Pullman - Standard dates back to the late 1940s and was produced into the 1950s. It has eight round roof hatches for fast loading and two large gravity gates for quick discharge. With a capacity of 2,003 cubic feet, it's very practical. Key features include 50 - ton friction bearing or 70 - ton roller bearing trucks (depending on the road name), detailed brake gear, Accumate® couplers, and prototypical painting and printing.

Using this covered hopper is easy. For loading, simply use the eight round roof hatches to quickly fill the hopper with your desired commodity. When it's time to unload, open the two large gravity gates to let the contents out fast. A few things to note: Be careful when handling the Accumate® couplers as they are delicate. Also, since the picture might show a different road number, double - check the actual product you receive. For maintenance, regularly clean the trucks, whether they are 50 - ton friction bearing or 70 - ton roller bearing ones, to ensure smooth movement. Keep the brake gear in good condition by checking for any signs of wear and tear. And if the painting or printing starts to fade, you can consider gentle touch - ups to maintain its prototypical look.