Athearn today now packages these cars in sets of six in their Ready to Roll line.  With Three different six pack sets, a modeler can assemble an ore train very easily and quickly. 

We selected one of the cars to examine from a Pennsylvania six pack.  When removed from the box the car weighs approx. 1/4  pound.  Adequate weight for its size.  The car features 36” metal wheels as well as  McHenry couplers.

The car body tooling is crisp and accurate and captures the cars over-all lines.  Fine metal ladders are secured at all corners—they are delicate! So be careful!!  A nicely done simulated ore load is reproduced and added to compliment the car.  The load is reproduced in a reddish oxide color to simulate iron ore.  Brake lines and air tanks are added on the underside to complete the overall detailing effect.  The car glides freely when pushed along on either Code 83 or 100 track. 

This is another good example of Athearn taking a previous manufacturers efforts and turning it into a very credible piece of specialized rolling stock. 

The MSRP of the six pack is $99.98. Road names available on this run are Pennsylvania, Conrail, Union Pacific, and Canadian Pacific. (Low side) and Southern Pacific ( High Side).