Prototype photos. Scale model drawings.

The article describes how the author build jigs to enable him to build a large number of hoppers for his unit trains. Includes prototype photos, scale and detail drawings, and drawings of the jigs.

Starting with a center-flow hopper kit, the author builds this unique car.

Using Atlas and MDC kits, model an ex-PC ballast car. Model and construction photos. Big article!

The author describes building Penn Central and Conrail H34C cars from Atlas and MDC models. Includes a prototype photo and several model photos.

In this installment of the series the author covers the Conrail CC71B class #53858 and MGA (Monongahela Railroad) X-430 cars. Both are based on the Eastern Car Works flat kit. Prototype photos are included, including an inside view of one of the cars.

This unique car requires an extension of the side panels of a standard hopper. The author details how he did this and discusses the prototype history of the car.

Converting Atlas' ore hoppers to close coupling t-shanks.

Mounting MT 1060/1065 body mounted couplers to the Atlas ore cars for close-coupling, while still allowing the cars to be decoupled. Shows construction photos.

Bringing olders models up to the standard of the new hoppers that are being released.

Prototype photos and scale drawing accompany this article about these narrow gauge hopper cars.

An inexpensive method for filling hoppers using a false styrene floor covered with coal.

Models made from RTV molds.

Based on real-world experience the author describes how to do close coupling, and how to create realistic loads.

The Magor Company started building aluminum carbodies for covered hoppers to reduce the weight of the cars. The Johnstown America Corporation builds aluminum-bodied, coal-carrying Bethgons.

Like the prototype, the author took a Athearn 50-ton hopper and converted it to this model. Includes cutting diagrams and materials list.

The author built accurate models using the Tichy Train Group's standard gauge hoppers.

Modifying Rapido couplers to create I-beam couplers to permanently couple ore cars. The prototype did it that way also. The article shows before, construction, and after photos.

Includes prototype photos and scale drawings, with on a brief text.

This installment covers the Soo Line "Super Jumbo PS-2" covered hopper. Includes a prototype and a model photo, and a parts list.

Detailing hatches on covered grain hoppers.

Model and prototype photos, as well as scale drawings, of the Apache Railway's 22-foot ore car. Includes construction photos of this 1:24 scale model.

The author converted the Athearn 55-foot ACF Centerflow WP hopper cars from 4 bays to 3, replaced grab irons and ladder rungs, and added roof hatches. Painting and weathering completed the project. The WP covered hopper roster is given, as well as a parts list. Includes prototype and model photos.

Prototype photos of the CGEX closed hopper car.

The author describes how he super-detailed an Athearn hopper car to make it look better so that it matches the Westerfield cars he also runs on his layout.

Weathering black hopper cars so that their detail shows up better in photographs.