55-ton "fishbelly" hoppers

[tstage]

What are the differences between USRA 55-ton hoppers and a 55-ton "fishbelly" hoppers?  Thanks.

Tom

[jrbernier]

Tom.

  The 'fishbelly' car has a dip in the frame starting at the bolster and dropping to the first  hopper outlet.  Look at the Bowser web page:

http://www.bowser-trains.com/In%20Stock%20Pages/55%20Ton%20Hopper%20Cars%20Complete.htm#Fishbelly

Jim

[dehusman]

The fishbelly hoppers were primarily used by the eastern coal roads, espeicailly the anthracite roads.

[doctorwayne]

Stewart (Bowser) fishbelly hopper:

Accurail USRA hopper:

Wayne

[tstage]

Jim, Dave, and Wayne -

Thanks for the info and pictures!

Tom