4180 Airslide Covered Hopper - Ready to Run - Master(R) -- Rock Island 8864 (gray, black, Billboard Block Lettering)

The Atlas Master N Scale 4180 Airslide Covered Hopper is based on cars introduced in 1962 and produced through 1980. The original design dates back to the early fifties, when it was offered in single- and double compartment versions. The name lends itself to the "action" created by an air-permeable fabric lining in the bottom of the compartment. Unloading the car involves pumping air under the lining, fluidizing the commodity which in turn is drawn out of the compartment by pneumatic piping or other means. This type of car was primarily used for sugar, flour, starch and sometimes certain types of plastics. The 4180 cubic-foot covered hopper was introduced in 1962 and about 5,00 were built through 1980 when the taller 4566 cubic-foot design succeeded the 4180. During that time a little of 5,000 were built. The 4180 Airslide Covered Hopper features etched-metal roofwalks, fine-scale detailing, accurate decoration, smooth-rolling trucks and AccuMate(R) magnetic knuckle