Hi all, I have these N scale coal hopper cars that have a cast metal frame attached the to bottom of them. I think they might be made by Roundhouse. The metal frame fits neatly into the bottom contours if the hopper were you attach the trucks. I recently purchased some extra hopper cars with no frames. Could anyone tell me more about these hoppers and were I can buy extra frames. All replies greatly received. Terry
Nice Hopper - Old Run I can't help. I have some of those and they are a few years old. I'm not sure if they are still made. IIRC, one thing I did was to paint the weight a black to match the hopper. Also, I used Micro Trains trucks. Also, I will move this to the N scale forum where there may be more input. I think those N scale guys write more than they model...heh, heh.
Many thanks for that Flash. I too like these older hoppers.The other ones I have are painted black and fitted with MT trucks and couplers. I would like to do the same with the new ones if I can find the frames. Thanks again. Terry
They look like MDC Roundhouse cars which were bought by Athearn. I would check first with Athearn and if unable to obtain them there you might have to make a mold of one and cast your own weights with a Lo-temp metal of some sort. Others here more knowledgeable in the casting end of the hobby can help you further on that.
Thanks Inkaneer. Yes, I will have explore all possible suppliers. As a last resort I will look at the option of casting them myself. Terry
Yes, that is a Roundhouse/MDC hopper. The line is now part of the Athearn line. Athearn, however, only sells RTR. They may have the weights available as parts. Frank
N SCALE 6x MDC-ROUNDHOUSE 70t COAL HOPPER: CB&Q wo/MTL - eBay (item 120523203749 end time Feb-02-10 15:33:23 PST)