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