Bluford Shops 74118 N Ontario Northland C&O 3-Bay Offset Side Hopper #140124

70 ton 3-Bay Offset Side Hoppers first appeared in the late '20s and by the late '30s had become an AAR standard design with cars delivered from a number of builders in large quantities. The last of these cars were delivered in the late-'60s and many remained in service through the '80s.

These ready-to-run models feature: diecast slope sheet-hopper bay-center sill assembly; injection molded plastic sides, ends, and hopper doors; fully molded brake tank, valve and air lines; slope sheet braces; separately molded vertical brake rod and lever assembly; body mounted brake hose detail; “coal” load except as noted; body mounted magnetically operating couplers; close coupling; friction bearing or roller bearing trucks as appropriate for each road name. All road names are produced in multiple road numbers.

Around 1957, Ontario Northland found themselves with a temporary glut of hoppers. ONT made an arrangement with Chesapeake & Ohio and these 3-bay offset side hoppers were sent south to move coal on the C&O. They were not renumbered so to prevent C&O agents from routing the empty cars back to Canada, they received what must be the largest routing instructions ever applied to car sides:TIDE COAL ONLY. WHEN EMPTY RETURN TO HANDLEY FROM THE WEST OR THURMOND FROM THE EAST, C&O RWY. MUST NOT BE LOADED TO OR MOVED TO CANADA. The cars were eventually returned to ONT, and could be found in the mid-60s assigned to the Dane, Ontario iron ore pool and sporting a new paint job. This run will be available in 6 road numbers.`

Note: Pictures may be of another Road Number.