BLMA - 10003 - Gondola, Bathtub, NS TopGon - Norfolk Southern - 25026

Model Information: BLMA first produced this model in 2009. Although not as sophisticated as later BLMA releases, this is still a fine model. It lacks the truck mounted couplers and elegant blackened metal low-profile wheels from their more recent models, but still has nice touches like the etched metal platform under the brake wheel and detailed (factory-installed) internal bracing. As with all of the BLMA toolings, this model was acquired by Atlas in early 2016.

The model features: Fine-Scale Detail; Separately Applied Wire Grab Irons; Separately Applied Wire Cut Levers; Etched-Metal Brake Wheel Platforms; Installed Internal Bracing; Accurately Painted/Printed; 100-Ton Trucks w/Metal Wheels (Atlas Releases ONLY), Multiple Numbers & Paint Variations;

Prototype History: In late 1991, Norfolk Southern debuted the first two prototypes of its TOPGON re-body program. Looking for a way to expand the capacity and the longevity of its coal car fleet, this program took in old hoppers, stripped them to the frame, and built an entirely new gondola body on top of that frame. With production starting in July of 1992, spanning multiple classes with multiple variations, NS' Roanoke East End Shops churned out over 18,000 of these cars, ending production in 1998. With almost 3,265 of class G-85R, G-86R and G-88R's in service, this model represents one of NS' most recognizable freight cars.

Road Name History: The Norfolk Southern Railway (reporting mark NS) is a Class I railroad in the United States; began in 1982 and 1990. With headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, the company operates 36,200 route miles in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia, and has rights in Canada from Buffalo to Toronto and over the Albany to Montreal route. NS is responsible for maintaining 29,000 miles, with the remainder being operated under trackage rights from other parties responsible for maintenance. The common commodity hauled on the railroad is coal from mines in Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The railroad also offers the most intermodal network in eastern North America.

NS is a major transporter of domestic and export coal. The railroad's major sources of the mineral are located in: Pennsylvania's Cambria and Indiana counties, as well as the Monongahela Valley; West Virginia; and the Appalachia regions of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. In Pennsylvania, NS also receives coal through interchange with R.J. Corman Railroad/Pennsylvania Lines at Cresson, Pennsylvania, originating in the "Clearfield Cluster". NS's export of West Virginia bituminous coal, begins transport on portions of the well-engineered former Virginian Railway and the former N&W double-tracked line in Eastern Virginia to its Lambert's Point coal pier on Hampton Roads at Norfolk. Coal transported by NS is thus exported to steel mills and power plants around the world. The company is also a major transporter of auto parts and completed vehicles. It operates intermodal container and TOFC (trailer on flat car) trains, some in conjunction with other railroads. NS was the first railway to employ roadrailers, which are highway truck trailers with interchangeable wheel sets.

The Norfolk Southern Railway's parent Norfolk Southern Corporation is a Norfolk, Virginia-based parent company. Norfolk Southern Corporation was incorporated on July 23, 1980 in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbols NSC. The primary business function of Norfolk Southern Corporation is the rail transportation of raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods across the Southeast, East, and Midwest United States. The corporation further facilitates transport to the remainder of the United States through interchange with other rail carriers while also serving overseas transport needs by serving several Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports. As of October 1, 2014 Norfolk Southern Corporation's total public stock value was slightly over $34.5 billion.

Read more on Wikipedia.

Brand/Importer Information: BLMA Models was founded in July of 2000 to bring Z, N, and HO Scale products of superior quality and originality to the model train community. At BLMA Models, we understand that quality and accuracy count in producing realistic scale models. Our passion revolves around accuracy, diversity, innovation and satisfaction to prototype model railroaders by providing exceptional products and service that goes beyond your expectations.

BLMA was acquired by Atlas Model Railroad in January of 2016.