The Prototype
This model is based on the H43C class of 2-bay covered hoppers built by Pullman-Standard for the Pennsy in 1957-58, later going to Penn Central, then Conrail. These cars could be seen in abundance across the Conrail system along with other classes and PRR, PC, NYC painted cars, through the late 70's and into the mid 1980's, when these cars began to be phased out in favor of larger, newer covered hoppers being built. Some of these cars were put into sand service and could occasionally be seen, although with MOW numbers.
The Model
This is the model that Atlas produced in the past in it's regular freight car line, before splitting the product line between the Master Line and Trainman. Although the body of this car doesn't have a high level of detail, the excellent paint work and great value make this an excellent Conrail model.
The logos, lettering, and data closely match the prototype photos of the two roadnumbers from this run:
http://thecrhs.org/Images/CR-879855-Class-H34C
http://thecrhs.org/Images/CR-879870-Class-H34C
The shop/paint date on these cars is January 1980.
This model features friction-bearing trucks, correct for the era that these cars saw service, however if you are modeling these cars later in Conrail, you may want to replace the trucks with 70-Ton Roller-Bearing trucks (consult prototype photos of the car you are modeling, if available.) The car features 33" metal wheels, which are free-rolling in the Atlas trucks, and Accumate couplers.
Overall, this model is a very good value for the price ($14.95 retail), and with 6 total road numbers produced so far, this model gives Conrail modelers a chance to further expand their covered hopper fleet.
