Prairie Shadows - PS160123 - Covered Hopper, 3-Bay, Thrall 4750 - Riverport Railroad - 1448

Model Information: Rib-side, 3-bay covered hoppers. 4750 cubic foot capacity. Features etched metal roofwalks, sharp painting and lettering, multiple road numbers per paint scheme, and metal wheels (at least for the 2017 release - earlier releases likely have plastic wheelsets).

InterMountain does not refer to a specific prototype on their website for this model, but I have seen it referred to as both a PS (Pullman-Standard) as well as a Thrall. Perhaps the model has elements of both prototypes baked into the molding? Would love to hear from a prototype expert on this one...

Prototype History: Starting around 1970 or so, every major railcar manufacturer produced a 4750 cubic foot covered hopper. Thrall was no exception. To be honest, these hoppers all look pretty similar. To make matters worse, these cars were modified as improvements were made to the design. In the case of the Thrall model, at least two major revisions were made to this car during the period in which it was produced. The cars were built starting in the late 1970s, this 263,000 lbs GRL (Gross Rail Loading) car is used primarily for grain transport. The thrall models feature 3 bays and rib sides. The roof is flat. These cars were used by the Burlington Northern in large numbers as well as by many other railroads.

Road Name History: Riverport Railroad, LLC (reporting mark RVPR) is a privately owned and operated class III short line railroad that serves a commercial, industrial and distribution complex at the former Savanna Army Depot (Savanna Industrial Park) located in Savanna, Illinois. At present RVPR owns a little over 359 acres of land and 73 miles of rail on a railroad right-of-way of 664 acres at the Savanna Industrial Park. In total RVPR owna and or controls approximately 1,995 acres.

RVPR offers railcar storage of us to 2,700 railcars; railcar cleaning and repair (Via the RESCAR company and Inserv (TLC Rail Services)); Transloading Services;[2] along with industrial property development.

RVPR interchanges with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) at Robinson Spur, IL. RVPR is currently services twice a week by BNSF with additional days as needed for unit trains.

Brand/Importer Information: We focus on quality not quantity. Fair prices and fantastic service are our top priority, but special runs and exclusive items are what set us apart!

It is my hope we can help you make the most of our wonderful hobby. - Jeff Arnold

Commissioner Information: Prairie Shadows Model Railway Co. is a small model railway supply company located in Winnipeg, MB, and owned by Jeff Arnold. They pride themselves in providing solid service and fair prices.
They commissioned several exclusive N scale models to Rapido Trains Inc.