LBF Company - 5437 - Gondola, Bathtub, Trinity Rotary - Kansas City Power & Light - 498045

Model Information: These models come with optional, user-installed weights and internal bracing.

Prototype History: There have been a number of designs of coal-hauling gondolas for todays operations. Most of the major builders have offered aluminum-bodied coal gons at one point or another. Bethlehem Steel Car made a significant introduction with its Bethgon design. This design continues with Johnstown America today. The basic design uses two longitudinal tubs between the trucks - thus adding additional cubic-foot capacity with a lower center of gravity.

In 1992, Trinity Industries introduced a similar design and called it the Aluminator. Six demonstrators were built and placed under Trinity Industries Leasing Company reporting marks (TIMX 1001-1006). This initial design was rated at a 4,400 cubic-foot capacity. Most new-built coal cars (hoppers and gondolas) are built to a standardized 53' 1" outside length. The Trinity Aluminator is no exception. The 4400 design has a 12' 7" extreme height (11' 6" inside height). What made the Aluminator unique was the way the bottom of the tubs slope down ward from the center to the ends (the Bethlehem/Johnstown design had straight bottom tubs). The body has 13 side posts each with an alternating rivet pattern. There are three internal cross braces (at the 4th, 7th and 10th side posts). Trinity's aluminum rotary dump gondola features twin longitudinal tubs located on either side of the steel center sill.

Brand/Importer Information: The LBF company was based in Roseburg Oregon founded by Fred Becker. LBF was the successor company to E&C Shops, also founded by Becker. LBF also did business under the name USA Plastics. USA Plastics/LBF opened for business in 1993. They produced N Scale models using toolings purchased from the E&C Company. Later, in 1998, LBF folded and the toolings were sold to Hubert's Model RR Manufacturing group which was also located in Roseburg. Hubert had been one of Becker's partners in LBF/USA Plastics. Later, when Hubert's operation folded, the toolings were acquired by InterMountain.

Commissioner Information: Spring Creek Model Trains is a hobby shop located in Deshler, Nebraska. It opened in 2000.