Delaware Valley - 236 - Covered Hopper, 2-Bay, GATX Airslide 4180 - Church & Dwight - 48245, 48240, 48234

Model Information: This model was originally created by Delaware Valley. It was later acquired by Bowser. It has also been used by Eastern Seaboard Models models.

Prototype History: The first Airslide covered hopper was introduced by General American Transportation Corporation (GATX) in 1953 and had a capacity of 2600 cubic feet. The Airslide is primarily designed for the bulk shipment of dry, granular or powdered commodities. The design of that car is such that it can be loaded and unloaded quickly and with little spillage through the use of air pressure. The most common commodities carried include: flour, sugar, starch, plastic pellets, cement, powdered chemicals and carbon black.

Due to customer demand for larger covered hoppers capable of handling bulk commodities, General American Transportation Corporation introduced the larger 4180 c.f. model in 1963. GATX produced more than 5,000 of the 4180 cubic foot Airslide covered hoppers between 1963 and 1980. These very common cars continued General American’s “Airslide” family innovations from the 1950s, and proved valuable to bulk shippers who wanted a larger car than the earlier-design 2600 cubic foot cars provided.

Road Name History: Church & Dwight Co., Inc., is an American manufacturer of household products that is headquartered in Ewing, New Jersey. While it manufactures many products, it is known for the Arm & Hammer line which includes baking soda and a variety of products made with it, including laundry detergent and toothpaste. Church & Dwight was founded in 1847 as John Dwight and Company, and changed to its current name in 1896. Church & Dwight is incorporated in Delaware.