This is the Atlas 20006557 PS-2 covered hopper in HO scale, representing Central of Georgia #1089 in gray and black. Note that the picture might show a different road number. Covered hoppers are a modern addition to the car family. Until the 1980s, the AAR classified them as “special” cars before giving them their own category. These early designs, mainly for efficient cement loading and unloading (replacing bagged cement in box cars), were built by Pullman - Standard from the late 1940s to the 1950s. This two - bay car has eight round roof hatches for fast loading and two large gravity gates for quick discharge. It has a capacity of 2,003 cubic feet. Features include 50 - ton friction bearing or 70 - ton roller bearing trucks (depending on the road name), detailed brake gear, Accumate® couplers, and prototypical painting and printing.

Using this Atlas HO scale covered hopper is easy. You can use it in your model train layout just like any other car. When setting it up, make sure the Accumate® couplers are properly connected to other cars in the train. For loading, you can imagine or simulate putting cement or other suitable materials through the eight round roof hatches. To unload, think of the two large gravity gates doing the job. As for maintenance, keep it clean. You can use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off any dust. If there are any moving parts like the trucks or couplers that seem to be stuck, gently move them back and forth to loosen them up. Avoid dropping or rough handling the car as it might damage the detailed brake gear or other delicate parts.