{"product_id":"ath12946","title":"N ACF 4600 3-Bay Center Flow Hopper Model (ATH12946)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product_description\"\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eIntroducing a detailed HO-scale model of the American Car and Foundry 3-Bay CenterFlow Covered Hopper, representing the 4600 cubic foot capacity version used for grain and similar bulk loads. The real car’s rounded center-flow body provides structural strength and gravity unloading, and the model faithfully captures that design with authentic detailing: three body styles spanning early, mid, and late configurations, round or trough hatches, a photo-etched roofwalk, detailed outlets, and multiple road numbers. It arrives fully assembled and ready to run, featuring true-to-life paint and lettering, 100-ton trucks with 36-inch machined metal wheels, body-mounted McHenry operating scale knuckle couplers, and weight tuned for smooth handling on typical layouts. A minimum curve radius of 9¾ inches helps it perform on standard hobby tracks, and the model includes separately applied brake wheels and screw-mounted trucks for added realism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003ePrototype background: The 3-bay CenterFlow hopper entered service in the mid-1960s, built by American Car and Foundry to carry grain and other bulk commodities. The center-flow design relies on a rounded body to provide structural strength and gravity unloading, eliminating the traditional center sill. The 4600 cu ft version proved popular as railroads replaced aging boxcars and sought to operate within Plate B clearances on lighter branchlines and industrial routes. Today these cars remain visible in grain trains across a range of railroads, reflecting their enduring utility in bulk-service operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Athearn (ATH)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47899160641588,"sku":"ATH12946","price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0597\/6653\/8292\/files\/ATH12946.jpg?v=1781278018","url":"https:\/\/nankinhobby.com\/products\/ath12946","provider":"Nankin Hobby","version":"1.0","type":"link"}