Rapido's 169012A AutoFlood III Coal Hopper in HO scale, GGPX - GATX #1783. Note that the picture might show a different road number. Coal, often called 'Black Diamonds,' is best shipped across the country by rail. The AutoFlood III rapid - discharge hopper car is here to do just that. Since 2004, thousands of these all - aluminum prototype cars have been produced and have traveled all over North America. With millions of tons of coal mined and hauled each year, you're likely to see these cars in modern coal trains. This 4200 - cubic - foot exterior post prototype is mainly a rapid - discharge car. It can unload its payload in seconds through the bottom bay doors. It can also be fitted with a rotary coupler at the car's end(s), shown by color blocks, for either bottom or rotary unloading depending on the destination's infrastructure. The Rapido Trains HO scale AutoFlood III Coal Hopper offers many great features: die - cast frame and floor for proper weight, full interior rivet and K - member details, super - detailed end cages with separate air and brake piping, Barber S - 2 100 - ton Trucks with metal wheels, highly - detailed outlet gates in hopper bays, etched, see - through end cross - over platforms, full end detail including uncoupling levers, factory - installed separate grab irons, accurate paint and lettering, a removable coal load, and multiple road numbers for each scheme.

Using your Rapido HO scale AutoFlood III Coal Hopper is a breeze. Just place it on your model train track and couple it to your train. You can use it with a coal load for a more realistic look. When you need to 'unload' the coal, you can imagine the bottom bay doors opening to release the load. If you want to use the rotary unloading feature, make sure the color - block - indicated end with the rotary coupler is set up according to your layout's infrastructure. As for maintenance, keep it clean. Use a soft brush to gently remove dust from the body, wheels, and details. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the paint or the details. Check the trucks and couplers regularly to ensure they're working smoothly. If the coal load gets dirty, you can remove it and clean it separately. And that's all you need to know to enjoy your Rapido Coal Hopper!