Atlas HO Scale PS-2 2-Bay Covered Hopper Maine Central/MEC #2495 (Gray)

Covered hoppers are a relatively new car family. The AAR considered these “special” cars until the 1980’s when they finally got their own car type code category. These early covered hopper designs were built primarily for more efficient cement loading and unloading (previously cement was bagged and placed in box cars). This two-bay covered hopper car design was built by Pullman-Standard starting in the late 1940s with production continuing into the 1950s. This car features eight round roof hatches for quick loading. Two large gravity gates were used to discharge the commodity as quickly as possible. Capacity is rated at 2,003 cubic foot.