N GATC 2600 Airslide Hopper D&H #12944 (ATHGN23393)

The GATC 2600 Airslide Hopper, road number D&H 12944, is a detailed scale model of a mid-century bulk-carrier hopper designed for airslide service. In real life these cars use an air-permeable bottom and an air flow to fluidize the load, allowing bulk materials such as flour, starch, sugar and plastics to pour smoothly through the outlets. The original configuration was a 2,600-cubic-foot, 70-ton single-bay car introduced by GATC in 1953, with some units later tied into two-car sets for a 5,200 cubic-foot capacity.

The model captures the realism with a highly detailed injection-molded body and detailed underside, including outlet piping and rectangular or oval shaker brackets, plus gravity or gravity-pneumatic outlets. It rides on machined metal wheels with RP25 contours and can be equipped with roller bearing or Bettendorf trucks. Factory-installed wire grab irons and brake piping, separately applied round roof hatches and a brake wheel, and a body-mounted McHenry operating scale knuckle coupler all contribute to the look and handling, while accurate paint and printing complete the prototype feel. Weighted for stable running on most popular brands of track, it ships in a clear jewel box for safe storage between sessions.