What prototype coal hopper models are being used today by BNSF and UP? Also, what company makes a good model of these prototypes for HO scale?
I can’t say for the BNSF, but you will see almost anything on the UP. From “bathtub” Bethgons, to the older “chute” type. Walthers makes good models of both. You will be able to find many more models of BNSF cars than anything else ( at least that is what I’ve seen ). Hope that helps, and [#welcome] to the forums!
Models of modern hoppers and coal gondolas are made by Athearn RTR, Bowser, LBF Company, and Walthers. No coal trains come through here, unless the line through Las Vegas is closed, so I rarely see any and do not know if the older 3 and 4 bay open top hoppers are used frequently in unit trains anymore.