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NYSW 8049 SSC Open Top Hopper

History

The ERIE was the largest user of the Standard Steel Car design with 6,000 cars under its own reporting marks and 300 more for the Susquehanna. The cars were delivered in the 3 year period of 1905–1908 from both SSC and Pressed Steel Car. Various production runs contained variations of end sills and poling pockets. The cars were rebuilt with safety appliances in the early 1920's, primarily at Greenville Steel Car Co. For the New York Susquehanna and Western, the road name was eliminated in favor of initials. Reporting marks were reduced from 5" to 4". It is unlikely that they were relettered in the Van Sweringen style of 1928 as they were already being retired. The cars lasted in revenue service until the mid-1930's.

The Model

The kit is item number 7409, SSC Hopper Car, Susquehanna, Original, manufactured by Westerfield.

All of the detail has been added per the prototype, including ladders and grab irons. The underframe has been completely detailed. All brake rigging and air lines have been added. All of the lines from the various brake components is .010 wire. All other lines are .012 wire.

The base coat is Floquil Gray Primer. The top coat is Polly Scale Steam Power Black. The model was sprayed with Polly S Gloss Finish and the supplied decals were used. Polly S Flat Finish was applied as a final coat. No weathering has been done to the car.

The trucks are Kadee Trucks with metal wheels.

Bibliography

Westerfield Models Instructions