Micro-Trains v Atlas hoppers

[NW Modeling List]

Micro-Trains has just released an 8-car "runner pack" (993-00-801) of 
hoppers lettered for HL.  I have complained about a design problem 
before, but MT just doesn't get it, as the current release photographs 
reveal.  MT's mold goes way back over multiple N&W production runs, is 
out-sized for any N&W 2-bay hopper, and has no prototypical fishbelly 
for HL, as lettered by MT.

The best N-Scale N&W 2-bay hopper bet is Atlas' 41000 series, accurate 
in proportions, ends and sides with 7 vertical stakes and fishbelly to 
match the lettering in HL.  Atlas, to be sure, has not produced an 8-car 
pack.  No sweat.  Just secure the hopper quantity desired and as needed 
reletter report numbers within the diverse HL series. *  I*worked up an 
entire Atlas drag this way.

Sadly missing, of course, is an accurate N&W 3-bay hopper in the scale.  
One can always kit-bash from 2-bay models, but so far I've opted to 
content myself with solid 2-bay consists, which actually I recall seeing 
mid-century from time to time on the Norfolk Division.

*Frank Gibson*
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