Train Mountain Kit Pre-Order

Shipping isn’t cheap, especially in our hobby. Large kits and finished cars can cost hundreds of dollars to ship even a short distance, plus there’s the risk of the carrier losing the shipment or damaging it in transport. With that in mind, Reading Car Company and Sprayberry Hopper would like to offer a Train Mountain discount and free delivery to Train Mountain of selected cars for the Triennial event in June. We need your order before June 5th to ensure delivery. Orders can be picked up at the Reading Car Company booth in the Vendor Hall Monday-Friday of the Triennial.

USRA Hopper

One of the most common hoppers of the steam and very early diesel era is the United States Railroad Administration (USRA) 2 bay hopper. These kits offer parts to build the standard USRA hopper or the PRR variant (Called the GLa Hopper).

Bethgon Coalporter

Designed by Bethlehem Steel, the Coalporter bathtub gondolas were the next step up from regular hoppers in the race to carry more coal to market. The cars were able to carry more coal with a lower center of gravity thanks to the rounded bottom that gave them their unique look. This kit gives you all the parts to build the car shown. This kit is discontinued, so when they’re gone, they’re gone, so don’t wait!

Sprayberry Offset Hopper

The Offset 2 bay hoppers were one of the more unique designs in hopper engineering during the mid 20th century. By moving the side walls of the car out, it increased capacity by a few tons. These cars could be found all over the country hauling coal and rock. Some were also later made into covered hoppers for cement and sand service.