Sweet Plastics!

[daniel_leavitt2000]

The Atlas 5701 plastics hopper sure is nice. I liked the silver bays and the etched roofwalk especially. The corner steps could be finer though. I ordered the entire set of 5800 hoppers as well. These are identical to the 5701 with some additional end bracing.

The cars got me thinking though... we REALLY need an upgraded 5250 hopper. Arn't these used for plastics as well? The Atlas 5250 and two bay version have long since jumped the shark. At least we have Micro-trains and Intermountain producing the two bay variations.

[Robbman]

These are identical to the 5701 with some additional end bracing.

Dumbasshat... learn to read.

http://forum.atlasrr.com/discussion/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=43994

[Norm P]

These are identical to the 5701 with some additional end bracing.

Dumbasshat... learn to read.

http://forum.atlasrr.com/discussion/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=43994

I'm starting to look at buying a few covered hoppers but I need to learn the differences between a grain hopper and the plastic/cement/whatever ones.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

The grain hoppers usially have trough hatches where plastics hace portholes. The grains have a flat slide grate on the bottom where the plastics have horizontal circular hub.

[TiVoPrince]

Agree with Norm P
can someone point to a primer on commodities and cars, something picture based would suit me fine.

Nothing wildly detailed but enough to get my mind around what cars (that we can get models of) are most commonly used for speific loads.  Exactly what models would be most commonly used for cement, plastics or food products would help me immensly...

[GonzoCRFan]

Agree with Norm P
can someone point to a primer on commodities and cars, something picture based would suit me fine.

Nothing wildly detailed but enough to get my mind around what cars (that we can get models of) are most commonly used for speific loads.  Exactly what models would be most commonly used for cement, plastics or food products would help me immensly...

In general, having a general idea of the density of a given commodity helps determine the appropriate car size. Stuff like cement and sand is very heavy, so it's hauled in 2-bays. Small 3-bays like the ACF 4650 are good for stuff that's a little lighter, like sugar, salt, and some dry bulk chemicals. Stuff like the ACF 5250 or Trinity 5161 is better for food-related products such as wheat/grain. Generally, the monstrous covered hoppers like the 6200 are for plastic pellets, cause they're a very light commodity. This link looks like it should have lots of promising information:

http://www.ge.com/railservices/products/railequipmentbycartype.html