New Bluford Hopper comparison to ex-MDC cars

[asarge]

I have a couple of photo's sent to me by Craig showing the difference between the old MDC/Athearn 3 bay hoppers and the new Bluford cars. First is the MDC 9 Panel vs the Bluford 14 Panel. Obviously a complwetely different car.



Next is the offset car. While the difference is less obvious to the untrained eye, they are none-the less different cars. Notice the pleat at the end of the offset panel MDC car and how the Bluford car tends to taper into the corner.

[John]

I dont think I am a big fan of those brake hoses ..

[FrankCampagna]

I dont think I am a big fan of those brake hoses ..

Agreed, I think a little plastic surgery is on order as soon as they get to the shops. Otherwise, very nice.

Frank

[John]

maybe we should just tell bluford to leave those off ..

[tom mann]

While it's nice to have brake hoses, those look a little "excited".

[bbussey]

It's a nice detail, but I will remove them as well.  For me, it's a better part for a static high end contest model rather than a model functioning on a layout.  The MTL-style uncoupling pin, for better or worse, give the illusion of them.

[inkaneer]

What is the era of this car?  The fact it is a 70 ton car leads me to think the transition era maybe 40' or 50's?

[bbussey]

All the prototype specifics are on the Bluford site.

[Bob Bufkin]

What, you never seen a hopper carrying tons of Viagra before? :

[Ian MacMillan]

What, you never seen a hopper carrying tons of Viagra before? :

Yes, at Tunnel 9.