Bluford Shops N-Scale P&E 8-Panel 2-Bay Hoppers
(Pre-Order)
Bluford #s 65280/81/84/85 Road #s 3002/21/33/67
A majority of 8-panel hoppers were the result of the rebuilding of other styles of 2-bay hoppers. Offset side hoppers were particularly good candidates for this conversion. The argument for the offset side car is that by placing the side sheets on the outside of the ribs, you could then fill the volume between the ribs with coal (or other commodity.) The downside was that the offset side cars were more difficult to build and repair. Also, the load often packed in the corners between the rib and side sheets, trapping moisture and making repairs more frequent. Rebuilding them with 8 full length panels and 9 posts was relative easy and cheap, more than making up for the loss in cubic capacity. The rebuilt car could provide another 15 to 25 years of revenue service.
Peoria & Eastern was a subsidiary of New York Central running from Indianapolis to Peoria. NYC was known for its large stable of subsidiary railroads but P&E had more of a separate identity than most, maintaining it right through the Penn Central merger. P&E was the recipient of a fleet of 8-panel hoppers produced during Despatch Shops mid-60s rebuilding frenzy.
Features:
- Ready-to-run
- Die-cast slope sheet-hopper, bay-center sill assembly
- Injection molded plastic sides, ends, and hopper doors
- Full-molded brake tank, valve and air lines
- Body-mounted brake hose detail
- Load included
- Body mounted magnetically operating knuckle couplers
- Close coupling
- Fox Valley Models metal wheels
Comes in four road numbers - You must select road number!!
MSRP $27.95 NYCSHS member price is $22.36 and that is 20% off MSRP.
Expected delivery 2nd Qtr. 2021
Shipping is extra and Ohio residents must add 8% Ohio sales tax.
Expected Production Late Fall 2020
Posted 7/17/20
