This ScaleTrains SXT32095 4727 N Scale Carbon Black Covered Hopper from the Transportation Company of America/TCMX #96131 is a must - have for model train enthusiasts. Please note the picture might show a different road number. It's from the era of 1995 - 2005, part of the 96001 - 96150 Series Thrall Car Job 904 built from December 1995 to February 1996. It features 22 round roof loading hatches, paint that matches Tru - Color Paint color TCP - 010 Black, and comes in four different road numbers with either 22 or 28 roof hatches. The car has finely detailed end posts and bracing, photo - etched stainless - steel running boards and end platforms, separately - applied end ladders, and finely - detailed underbody brake detail. It's equipped with body - mounted semi - scale standard Type E knuckle couplers, Barber S - 2 70 - ton Trucks with raised foundry data, and 33” machined metal wheels. The minimum radius for operation is 9 ¾”, and the recommended radius is 11”. As a Rivet Counter N Scale Freight Car, it's fully assembled, has multiple road numbers, factory - applied metal grab irons, coupler cut levers, and trainline hoses. It also features intricate brake plumbing, legible printing and lettering even under magnification, is weighted to industry standards for reliable operation, and can operate on Code 55 and 70 rail. It comes in a clear jewel box packaging for safe storage. Carbon black, a petrochemical refining byproduct, is a fine powder used in various industries like automotive, inks, paints, and plastics. Covered hoppers like this one have been used to haul it since the 1920s. These cars are commonly found in large groups near major carbon black producers or users in North America, or in mixed freight trains. The prototypes were carefully researched from multiple sources.

Using this N scale carbon black covered hopper model is easy. Just place it on your model train track that meets the minimum 9 ¾” or recommended 11” radius. It can run smoothly on Code 55 and 70 rail. When handling the model, be gentle as it has finely - detailed parts like the photo - etched stainless - steel running boards and separately - applied end ladders. Avoid dropping or rough handling to prevent damage. For maintenance, use a soft, dry cloth to dust the model regularly. If there's dirt on the wheels, you can use a mild cleaner and a small brush to clean them gently. Keep the model stored in its clear jewel box packaging when not in use to protect it from dust and scratches. Also, make sure to keep it away from extreme temperatures and humidity to maintain its quality.