This ScaleTrains SXT32090 4727 Carbon Black Covered Hopper in N Scale is a great addition to your model train collection. The picture might show a different road number. It represents the Continental Carbon/CTNX #4904. This hopper is from the 2005 - present era. It belongs to the Series 4801 - 4920 Thrall Car Job 915 built in 4 - 5/96. It features FRA - 224 reflective stripes, 22 round roof loading hatches, and paint that matches Tru - Color Paint color TCP - 010 Black. There are four different road numbers available, and it can have either 22 or 28 roof hatches. The end posts and bracing are finely detailed. The running boards and end platforms are made of photo - etched stainless steel, and the end ladders are separately applied. The underbody brake detail is finely crafted. It has body - mounted semi - scale standard Type E knuckle couplers, Barber S - 2 70 - ton Trucks with raised foundry data, and 33” machined metal wheels. The minimum radius for operation is 9 ¾”, and the recommended radius is 11”. As a Rivet Counter N Scale Freight Car, it comes fully assembled. It has multiple road numbers, factory - applied metal grab irons, coupler cut levers, and trainline hoses. The brake plumbing is intricate, and the printing and lettering are legible even under magnification. It's weighted to industry standards for reliable operation and can operate on Code 55 and 70 rail. It comes in a clear jewel box packaging for safe storage. The color is matched to existing Tru - Color Paint colors whenever possible. Carbon black, a byproduct of the petrochemical refining industry, is a fine, powdery substance like soot. It's widely used in the automotive industry as filler in tires, belts, and rubber products, and also as a pigment in inks, paints, and plastics. Covered hoppers are used to haul it, with unique designs since the 1920s. These hoppers are found in North America, often in large groups near carbon black producers or users, or in mixed freight trains. The 4727 cubic foot carbon black covered hopper was introduced in 1992. It resembles traditional covered hoppers and 'high - hip' grain hoppers, with three bays, external posts, and 'open' ends. It has 'butterfly' outlets, multiple round loading hatches, and sampling spigots. Many of these cars are still in service today. Reference: Carbon Black Cars: Freight Cars Journal Monograph #15 by Eric A. Neubauer, ISSN 0884 - 027X, 2030.

Using this ScaleTrains N Scale Carbon Black Covered Hopper is easy. Just place it on your model train track with a radius of at least 9 ¾ inches, though 11 inches is recommended. It can run on Code 55 and 70 rail. When handling it, be gentle as it has finely - detailed parts like the photo - etched stainless - steel running boards and separately - applied end ladders. Avoid dropping or hitting it, which could damage these delicate components. To maintain it, you can use a soft, dry cloth to dust it regularly. If there are stubborn stains, use a mild soap and water solution and then dry it thoroughly. Store it in the provided clear jewel box when not in use to keep it safe from dust and damage.