Chicagoland Lionel Railroader Club had Lionel produce two Chicago & North Western Cylindrical Hoppers.
I checked the Chicago & North Western Historical Society’s website. In their photo gallery of freight cars it shows that at one time The Chicago & North Western did actually operate ACF Center Flow 3-Bay Cylindrical Hoppers. The paint scheme was earlier than what the CLRC cars have. The point is CNW actually had these types of Covered Hoppers. Why the Lionel cars were only in the modern scheme is strange.
Now the CLRC might not be able to make any more cars because not enough people bought them. They have all their money tied up in the cars. Then the Union Pacific versus Lionel Lawsuit might prevent them from making another Chicago & North Western Car anytime soon. They have to get the permission of Union Pacific to make more CNW.
The O Scale 50’ Modern Box Car would have been great in the 1980’s CNW Safety Yellow Scheme. Now it looks like it will not happen for a long time, if ever. Lionel has supended use of the 50’ Modern Box Car in favor of more detailed PS-1 and A.A.R. Box Cars.
The place to visit is: www.clrctrains.com
Andrew Falconer