Opening hatches on covered hoppers

[FJ and G]

I vowed not to make anymore purchases but I just got a pay increase because middle of next week going to a new job at the Pentagon (editing www.army.com).

So, of course I went to the local hobby shop where I picked up a dummy A (AT&SF F-3) for my lonely A mate and an SP covered 4-chute hopper.

The hopper was a rather interesting critter. It was built in 1990 (says so right on the car, somewhat of an annoyance as I rather have the real Blt. date of the prototype), by Lionel.

At first glance, the car is rather plain, lacking rivet-counter details like see thru grills and separate brake wheel, etc. Also, plastic trucks. Anyway, I picked it up and fondled it like it were a girlfriend and much to my amazement, I discovered that the hatches open.

That's right, all of the hatches on the roof of the car swing open. For a hopper car otherwise lacking in detail, this was a shocker. And, it opened up a few possibilities, if you pardon the pun.

If a small magnet were attached on the back of each car, an overhead hose also magnetized might be able to open the lids via remote control, and a gentle nudge down on the lids might close them.

I have pretty much ignored the F-3 dummy (you'd think MTH would at least provide pickup on it for lights) and have become enamored with the hopper.

Once again, I promise not to make any more purchases.

Dave Vergun

[Anonymous]

Dave:

Cool!

You promise not to make any more purchases, until the next one, right? [:)]

Tony

[Big_Boy_4005]

I take it that you are talking about a Lionel 19311, and that's your first quad hopper. That design is from the post war era, and has always had opening hatches. You have to be a little careful with them though. You want to make sure that the spring clip that holds them is secure. There are 2 clips per car, and they are held on by a speed press on arrangement to two pins on the underside of the roof. If the molded plastic pin breaks, and the clip comes off, the covers go everywhere. What a pain!!! I have about 50 of this style hopper, and that has only happened to a couple. Otherwise, they are great.

Oh, and congrats on the new job![8D]

[Anonymous]

Yes, Dave, forgive me for not saying it earlier.

Congratulations on the new job!

Tony