Note: Pictures or images are representations, exact road numbers may not be shown. A Limited Edition HO-Scale Rapido Autoflood III Coal Hopper painted for freelance model railroad Virginian & Ohio! Allen McClelland's legendary Virginian and Ohio is a favorite among the freelance model railroad community, and it is a Home Shops specialty! This car exemplifies the modernity and evolution of purpose built rolling stock required for the V&O to satisfy needs of its coal shippers. Coal and Appalachia have always been synonymous with one another and this modern aluminum car is what eventually replaced the aging fleet of steel cars that were so iconic on Allen McClelland's railroads. Featuring the Avant Garde font of the Appalachian Lines and large V&O lettering, this may be the most recognizable freelance paint scheme to-date. About the Prototype: Beginning production in 2004, the all-aluminum body prototype has been produced in the thousands and has traversed all over North America. With millions of tons of coal per year being mined and hauled out of various locations across the country, you would be hard pressed to not have seen one of these prototype cars in a modern day coal train. This 4200 cubic foot, exterior post prototype (not to be confused with other prototype exterior post or interior post models) is primarily used as a rapid discharge car which can unload the payload in a matter of seconds via the bottom bay doors. However, the car can also be equipped with rotary couplers, as indicated by the color blocks on the end of the car, for either rotary or bottom discharge unloading based on the infrastructure at the final destination. Die-cast frame and floor for optimum car weight Full interior rivet and K-member details Super-detailed end cages including separate air and brake piping Barber S-2 100-ton trucks with metal wheels Hopper bays feature highly-detailed outlet gates The Rapido Trains HO scale Autoflood III Hopper features: Etched, see-through end cross-over platforms Full end detail, including uncoupling levers Separate grab irons installed at the factory Crisp paint and lettering Removable coal load included Multiple road numbers available for each scheme
