ScaleTrains 10346 HO Scale GATC 4180cf Airslide Covered Hopper Santa Fe Billboard ATSF 310546
In April 1972, GATC built 25 4,180 cubic foot Airslide hoppers for Santa Fe, wearing railroad class Ga-177.
Prototype Specific ScaleTrains
- Officially licensed by GATX
- GATX provided original blueprint copies
- All-new model
Represents phase “TZL” 4180cf Airslide - Multiple road numbers
- Finely detailed gravity outlets
- Separately-applied Airslide plumbing
- Highly-detailed, one-piece Barber S-2 100-ton trucks
- 36” machined metal wheels
- Minimum radius: 18”
- Recommended radius: 22"
All Operator Freight Cars Feature
- Multiple road numbers
- Fully assembled
- Color matched to Tru-Color Paint colors
- Simplified underbody brake rigging details
- Body mounted semi-scale knuckle couplers
- Simplified printing and lettering legible even under magnification
- Accurately profiled .110" wide wheel tread
- Weighted to Industry standards
- Operates on Code 70, 83 and 100 rail
- Packaging safely stores model
- Enhancements available separately including metal grab irons, coupler cut levers, trainline hoses, and more
History
Beginning in 1963, GATC introduced its 4180 Cubic Foot Airslide covered hopper. Designed for shippers of such commodities as flour and sugar, it featured their patented “Airslide” unloading system, which used pressurized air to aerate the special fabric lining of the bays, effectively fluidizing the commodity and allowing it to flow more easily during unloading. Production of the 4180cf Airslide would continue until 1980, when it was superseded by larger designs, such as the 4566cf Airslide. This Operator Series 4180cf Airslide represents a phase “TZL”. They were built between 1966 and 1969, and featured hat-section side posts, low handbrake, and low corner ladder grabs.