A great-looking Clinchfield 70-ton covered hopper is the first model introduced in Kadee’s new line of Pullman-Standard PS-2 two-bay covered hoppers. It comes ready to run with trucks and scale-size magnetic knuckle couplers.
Pullman-Standard’s success in marketing its line of standardized PS-1 boxcars led to the introduction of a PS-2 covered hopper in 1953.
These mass-produced freight cars featured welded construction with minimal individual variations to keep costs down. The prototypes quickly became very popular, and Pullman-Standard built thousands of cars for railroads and private owners all over North America.
Kadee’s rendition of the PS-2 covered hopper is an amazing example of fine plastic molding. Its brake system details, grab irons, ladders, and end bracing display some of the thinnest cross-sections I’ve seen yet. It also matches the drawing and specifications listed for a 2,003-cubic-foot, PS-2 two-bay covered hopper shown in PS advertising literature. Our sample came decorated as one of 40 cars built in 1956 for the Clinchfield RR (cars 60110-60149).
This innovative model is made up of numerous interlocking plastic parts secured with one-way latches. The body and chassis subassemblies also lock together and they’re detailed with small parts mounted on concealed pins. Disassembly is not recommended.
The roof, sides, and inner ends are molded in a single piece, while the end frames, upper slope sheets, running boards, hatches, and brake system are added individually. The running boards and brake step have an Apex open-grating design.
The chassis is built around a tall center molding which includes the end platforms. A pair of hopper castings press into the sides of the concealed center piece while the visible center sill and coupler boxes fit on the bottom. The A-B brake system, brake levers and actuating rods, hopper gates, and brake pipes are applied separately.
Kadee plans to do two versions of these popular covered hoppers. Model Railroader’s sample PS-2 has the 1954 channel end posts on the body sides, but the firm states that the 1957 version with hat-section end posts will also be made. Two styles of operating roof hatches and stirrup steps are also planned.
The Clinchfield car is fitted with free-rolling Kadee American Steel Foundries type A-3 Ride Control solid-bearing trucks. Kadee notes that its S-3 roller-bearing truck will also be used on other PS-2s.
Our sample PS-2 came with Kadee’s scale magnetic knuckle couplers mounted in narrow draft- gear boxes. The wheelsets and coupler height match the National Model Railroad Association’s standards. In addition, the PS-2’s 3¼-ounce weight matches the NMRA’s recommended practice of 1 ounce plus ½ ounce per inch of length.
It’s great to see a new approach to building a common freight car. Kadee’s PS-2 is a winner.
Price: $38.95 each
Manufacturer:
Kadee
673 Avenue C
White City, OR 97503-1078
www.kadee.com
Description:
Ready-to-run plastic 2,003 cu. ft. PS-2 twin covered hopper
Road names:
Clinchfield RR, Soo Line
