4727 cuft version
4727 cuft version
A byproduct of the petrochemical refining industry, carbon black is a fine, powdery substance with a consistency sometimes described as being akin to soot. Deep black in color, one of its major consumers is the automotive industry, where it’s used as filler in tires, belts, and other rubber products. It also sees usage as a pigment in inks, paints, and plastic products, all of which make it a popular commodity with a variety of industries. Hauling it, however, can be a challenge thanks to its physical properties. Covered hoppers are typically used to handle carbon black, with designs dating back to the 1920s specifically for hauling it.
Here's what scaletrains.com has to say about these 2018 models -
ScaleTrains.com is excited to be the first manufacturer to offer N Scale scale plastic models of contemporary Thrall 5750 cubic foot and Thrall 4727 cubic foot carbon black covered hoppers. The 5750 represents the 1970s to present while the 4727 is appropriate for the 1990s to today. Found throughout North America, these unique freight cars are commonly found in large groups near major carbon black producers or users. They can also be seen singularly or in small blocks of cars in mixed freight trains. Both prototypes were painstakingly researched from field documentation, photographs, reference books, and builder drawings.
During the 1970s, Thrall Manufacturing Co. introduced a new railcar designed for handling carbon black. These 3-bay, 70-ton capacity covered hopper cars boasted a volume of 5750 cubic feet, and measured 51’ over their ends. Unlike traditional covered hopper designs, where the end slope sheets are plainly visible, these cars featured an enclosed, boxy design, which was a necessity due to a special design feature to aid in the unloading of carbon black. At the inside ends of the car are special inflatable bags, called “granuflators”. When the car is loaded, they lay flat inside the car. When inflated with pressurized air, the granuflators expand, and push the carbon black towards the outlets. As typical with cars designed to haul carbon black, they featured tight-sealing 16” round roof hatches (22 or 28 depending upon customer specifications), sampling spigots on the car sides, and “butterfly” type outlet gates.
The “1970s” version of the 5750 represents production from approximately 1977 until 1979. This car features ten column-style posts per side and a unique roofline. While the ends are peaked and the end roof panels feature a single slope, the remaining roof panels feature a dual slope and a steep shoulder where it meets the side plate. Many of these cars are still in service today.
5750 Features -
- 1970s carbody featuring 10 column-style posts per side and unique double hip roofline
- Separate granuflator plumbing
- Separately-applied ladders
- All-new ASF Gould-cast 70-ton Ride Control Trucks with finely rendered raised foundry data
In 1992, Thrall introduced the 4727 cubic foot carbon black covered hopper. In contrast with the boxy 5750cf design, this newer design more closely resembles traditional covered hoppers. Similar in appearance to “high-hip” grain hoppers, these cars featured three bays, external posts, and “open” ends with visible slope sheets. Common with their larger 5750cf cousins, these 70-ton cars feature “butterfly” outlets, multiple round loading hatches on the car roof (22 or 28 depending upon customer specifications), and sampling spigots mounted into small indents in the car sides. Many of these cars are still in service today.
4727 Features -
- Finely detailed end posts and bracing
- Separately-applied end ladders
- All-new Barber S-2 70-ton Trucks with finely rendered raised foundry data
Common Features -
- All-new
- Fully assembled
- Different road numbers available
- Color matched to Tru-Color Paint colors whenever possible
- Printing and lettering legible even under magnification
- Coupler cut levers
- Trainline hoses
- Intricate brake plumbing
- Per prototype: 22 or 28 roof hatches
- Photo-etched stainless steel running boards and end platforms
- Finely-detailed underbody brake detail
- Weighted to industry standards
- Operates on Code 55 and 70 rail
- Clear jewel box packaging safely stores model
- Body mounted semi-scale plastic Type E knuckle couplers
- 33” machined metal wheels
- Minimum radius: 9 ¾”
- Recommended radius: 11”