Prototype for Athearn ACF 4 Bay Covered Hopper

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

In my effort to get my rolling stock a little more in line with prototypes, I have a couple of “fantasy” painted Athearn 4 bay covered hoppers. Can any shed light on who owned the real cars and what years the would have went into service. My guess is that they were mainly used for plastic pellets and early 70’s would be their time frame for showing up.

Thanks

Rick Keil

2

GN bought theirs (GN 171250-171449) in 1965 and they were plainly lettered “Grain Loading”. They were “high brakewheel” types–I don’t know if the Athearn cars are high or low or if you care. If you’re talking about only low mount, then cancel my comments.

Ed

3

I can live with the low mount brake wheel. I found pictures of the GN cars you described on the Fallen Flags site.

Works out well since I model the CB&Q so I can keep the cars in the (Hill) family!

Thanks

Rick