2021 Premier 70-ton 3-Bay Hopper Car Announced

April 6, 2021 - M.T.H. Electric Trains will be releasing several limited-edition releases of the Premier 70-ton 3-Bay Hopper Car in four different liveries later this Fall. Each of these releases are expected to arrive in September 2021.

Unlike equipment that carried a variety of loads, like boxcars, flatcars, and gondolas, this 3-bay hopper was designed specifically for one cargo: bituminous coal. Its capacity matched the volume of coal that a pair of typical 70-ton freight trucks could carry. And its slope sheets — the angled floors at either end of the car — were set at precisely the angle at which coal would flow easily from its bottom doors. (Covered grain hoppers, for example, require much steeper slope sheets.)

The large 3-bay car was ideal for delivery of bituminous coal to large industrial customers and railroads. In contrast, cleaner-burning anthracite coal, shipped more commonly to small, local coal dealers who served the home heating market, often traveled in smaller 2-bay hoppers.

MTH Premier O Scale freight cars are the perfect complement to any manufacturer’s scale proportioned O Gauge locomotives. Whether you prefer to purchase cars separately or assemble a unit train, MTH Premier Rolling Stock has the cars for you in a variety of car types and paint schemes.

Virtually every sturdy car is offered in two car numbers which makes it even easier than ever to combine them into a mult-car consist. Many of MTH’s Premier Rolling Stock offerings can also operate on the tightest O Gauge curves giving them even more added versatitlity to your layout.

Check out each of the schemes in the list on the left.