USRA / GLa Hopper Car.
by Sprayberry Hopper
HISTORY
During World War I, the US railroads experienced a critical equipment shortage due to increased traffic needs. This 50 Ton Hopper Car was one of the body types designed by the United States Railroad Administration (USRA) to relieve this shortage. Built in 1918, 25,000 of these cars were primarily assigned to the great coal-hauling roads of the east and mid-west. The car design was very successful and later became one of the standard cars of the AAR. Despite it being a “standard” car, many variations existed, the most popular of which was the Pennsylvania RR “GLa” hoppers which featured platforms (or “bumpers”) on the end of the car.
THE MODEL
This model, designed by Quantum Coachworks and Reading Car Company for the folks who brought you the Sprayberry Hopper, is a faithful representation of the USRA 2 bay hopper and comes with parts to build 3 different versions. They are:
PRR GLa hopper (as shown above). The “Standard Railroad of the World” had a non-standard version of the USRA Hopper they referred to as the class “GLa” and featured “bumpers” extending off the end of the car and a slightly different air brake layout from the “standard” USRA Car.
Standard USRA car. The standard car is similar to the Pennsy GLa, except it omitted the “bumpers”. Brake part layout varied slightly
Modernized Car. The “modernized” cars generally featured a ratchet type brake stand to replace the stemwinder type brake the cars carried new. The older vertical stem brakes were being phased out later in the car’s life.
(refer to photos to determine your particular prototype details)
The kits feature:
Pre-drilled rivet and screw holes make assembly easy
Precision formed parts
Parts etched with number to aid in assembly
Detailed Assembly Instructions
3D Printed air tank and triple valve
Precision Steel Car grab irons
This car is produced by SprayberryHopper.com with assistance from Reading Car Company and is distributed by RCC. Free shipping is included for these kits.