The ARA/AAR 70-ton Quad Hopper was a ubiquitous freight car used by railroads across North America. Primarily designed for hauling coal, nearly 12,000 hoppers were built and delivered between 1926 and 1930, making them a common sight on rails for decades.

This new production run delivers the rugged look and heavy-duty presence these classic coal haulers are known for, brought to life with crisp decoration and fine detailing. Offered in distinctly numbered 6-packs, these hoppers make it easy—and affordable—to build an impressive fleet in a hurry. Purchase both the A and B packs and you’ll have 12 uniquely numbered cars, perfect for assembling a long, realistic string of coal service on your layout.

For modelers who value historical accuracy, this run includes prototypically accurate versions of the Baltimore & Ohio, Chesapeake & Ohio, and Milwaukee Road hoppers, featuring roadname-correct lettering, paint schemes, and details that closely match the prototype.

In addition, BLI’re offering Santa Fe and Union Pacific versions as well. While these cars are not intended to represent specific prototypes, they feature popular railroad branding that many modelers enjoy, making them a great fit for a wide variety of layouts and consists.

Each hopper includes realistic, removable coal loads and fully detailed bay interiors, allowing the cars to be operated loaded or empty and adding visual depth in any setting.

Best of all, these cars are offered in 6-packs for just $159.99—an exceptional value in today’s HO scale market. That price makes it easier than ever to build a large, great-looking freight car fleet without breaking the bank.

Also available is a mixed-variety 6-pack, featuring cars from multiple road names. It’s a perfect way to quickly add variety and visual interest to your freight operations.

Model Features:

• Model accurately scaled from prototype blueprints

• Fine rivet detail throughout interior and exterior

• Wire grab irons

• Separate brake line and brake hoses

• Two brake housing options - Ajax and Miner

• Three brake wheel options applied appropriately - Ajax, Miner, and Modern

• Two newly-tooled 70-ton trucks - solid bearing and roller bearing

• Improved truck mounting design

• Brake shoe and brake beam detail on trucks

• Metal wheelsets feature prototypical wheel face contours

• Factory equipped with metal Kadee-compatible knuckle couplers

• Removable ABS coal load.  Detailed and decorated interior.

• Prototypically accurate decoration

• 4-packs contain four uniquely numbered cars

• Fine printing accurately reproduces builders' stencils, trust lettering, repack data, and other minor lettering

• Brake test stencil data printed on brake reservoir where appropriate

• Reporting marks on center sill where appropriate