Bluford Shops N 65285 8-Panel 2-Bay Hopper, Peoria and Eastern (NYC) #3067

A majority of 8-panel hoppers were the result of the rebuilding of other styles of 2-bay hoppers. Offset side hoppers were particularly good candidates for this conversion. The argument for the offset side car is that by placing the side sheets on the outside of the ribs, you could then fill the volume between the ribs with coal (or other commodity.) The downside was that the offset side cars were more difficult to build and repair. Also, the load often packed in the corners between the rib and side sheets, trapping moisture and making repairs more frequent. Rebuilding them with 8 full length panels and 9 posts was relative easy and cheap, more than making up for the loss in cubic capacity. The rebuilt car could provide another 15 to 25 years of revenue service.

Peoria & Eastern was a subsidiary of New York Central running from Indianapolis to Peoria. NYC was known for its large stable of subsidiary railroads but P&E had more of a separate identity than most, maintaining it right through the Penn Central merger. P&E was the recipient of a fleet of 8-panel hoppers produced during Despatch Shops mid-60s rebuilding frenzy.

Features:
Ready-to-run
Die cast slope sheet-hopper bay-center sill assembly
Injection molded plastic sides, ends, and hopper doors
Fully molded brake tank, valve and air lines
Body mounted brake hose detail
Load included
Body mounted magnetically operating knuckle couplers
Close coupling
Metal wheels