Coal/Coke Hopper shortage?

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

I saw three 2300 cubic foot HT type hoppers loaded with petroleum coke in an oil refinery with a coking plant today. They were coupled to the more traditional size petroleum coke hoppers (3400 to 4000 cubic foot). Has anyone heard of a shortage of the large size cars?

Another thing of interest about these cars is that they are in the NDYX 910000 series and painted UP MOW Green. Perhaps they were in UP MOW service. Is it common for HT cars to be in MOW service? Is it difficult to change the gate type?

2

i dont see it here in SE MI…since Ford Motor closed Wixom assembly the north yard has been full of coke cars instead of auto racks…cars aint moved in 5 weeks

3

csx usually runs a bunch of hoppers from all the up lines.see some old cnw mopac and rio grade on coal trains over here.

stay safe

joe

4

Many roads have hoppers stored, as the coal market is not currently at the top of it’s game.

5

I have seen a lot of new ethanol tankers and lumber racks stored as well. I know housing is down - but it seems that the ethanol biz is not taking off as fast as expected.

dd

6

Interesting, I wonder why they were loading petroleum coke in such small hoppers.

7

Excess cars should be sold for scrap if they sit around for too long.[2c]

8

Could it have something to do with a wieght or size restriction at or enroute to their destination?

9

No, Coke should be lighter than coal in weight.

I suspect the Economy going downhill if there is too much stuff or freight sitting around.

10

Where have you been?[:O] Look around, things aren’t too good right now.