The Rapido 169022A HO scale AutoFlood III Coal Hopper is a remarkable model. Picture might show a different road number. Coal, often called 'Black Diamonds,' is best shipped across the country by rail, and the AutoFlood III rapid - discharge hopper car is here for that job. Since 2004, thousands of the all - aluminum body prototypes have been produced and traveled all over North America. With tons of coal mined and hauled annually, you'll likely see these in modern coal trains. This 4200 - cubic - foot exterior post prototype (not like other exterior or interior post models) is a rapid - discharge car. It can unload its payload in seconds through the bottom bay doors. It can also have a rotary coupler at the end(s), shown by color blocks, for bottom or rotary unloading based on the destination's infrastructure. The Rapido Trains HO scale AutoFlood III Coal Hopper has many great features. It has a die - cast frame and floor for proper weight, full interior rivet and K - member details, super - detailed end cages with separate air and brake piping, Barber S - 2 100 - ton Trucks with metal wheels, highly - detailed outlet gates in the hopper bays, etched see - through end cross - over platforms, full end detail including uncoupling levers, factory - installed separate grab irons, accurate paint and lettering, a removable coal load, and multiple road numbers for each scheme.

Using this Rapido HO scale AutoFlood III Coal Hopper is easy. Just place it on your model train track like any other car. You can load the removable coal into the hopper bays to make it look more realistic. When it comes to unloading, you can imagine it unloading through the bottom bay doors in a flash, just like the real - life prototype. As for the rotary coupler, if you're setting up a scenario where rotary unloading is needed, you can connect it accordingly based on the color blocks. Here are some things to note. Be gentle when handling the car, especially the small details like the grab irons and the uncoupling levers. Avoid dropping it, as it might damage the die - cast frame or other parts. To maintain it, you can use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off any dust. If there are stubborn spots, a very mild soap solution can be used, but make sure to dry it thoroughly afterward. This will keep your coal hopper looking great and running smoothly on your model train layout.