Bluford Shops has announced a new run of N scale 30′6″ USRA 2-bay hoppers.
Ready-to-run features include a die-cast slope sheet/hopper bay/center sill assembly; injection-molded plastic sides, ends, and hopper doors; molded brake tank, valve, and air lines; a coal load (C&S cars get a beet load with “beet loading only” stencils); lever-style hand brake; body-mounted magnetically operating knuckle couplers; close coupling; and metal wheels. MSRP is $36.95 per car. All road names are offered in multiple road numbers.
Schemes include Bessemer & Lake Erie, Baltimore & Ohio early 13 Great States, Chicago & Eastern Illinois v.2, Chesapeake & Ohio as-delivered, Colorado & Southern beet loading, Clinchfield v.2, Big Four (CCC&StL) black, Delaware Lackawanna & Western v.2, Frisco, Louisville & Nashville v.2, Montour black, Northern Pacific, New York Central freight-car brown, Philadelphia & Reading, and Pere Marquette as-delivered.
The USRA 30′6″ twin hopper was a WWI-era standard design that stayed on Class I and shortline rosters for decades of coal, ore, and later specialty loadings.
Pre-orders are open through at least July 7, 2026, with delivery expected in early 2027.
