InterMountain (472213-04) | 4785 PS2-CD Covered Hoppers (Early End Frame Version) | A.E. Staley #35094 | HO Scale

The 4785 PS-2CD covered hopper is a 4,785 cubic-foot pressure-differential covered hopper introduced in the mid-1960s by Pullman-Standard as part of its second-generation “PS-2” line. It was developed in response to growing industrial demand for larger, more efficient bulk railcars capable of handling fine, high-value commodities such as cement, flour, chemical powders, and plastic pellets. Traditional gravity-discharge hoppers required pits and slower unloading methods, so the PS-2CD incorporated a pressure-differential system that used compressed air to fluidize and pneumatically discharge lading through outlet piping, allowing faster, cleaner unloading at facilities without gravity pits. Key features included its 4,785 cubic-foot capacity, ribbed side panels typical of Pullman-Standard construction, multiple roof hatches, and distinctive pneumatic discharge plumbing underneath the car. Production began in the mid-1960s and continued into the 1970s, with many cars owned not just by railroads but by private shippers and leasing companies—reflecting a broader industry shift toward specialized, commodity-specific equipment financed through lease fleets. This ownership and leasing model expanded revenue opportunities by aligning car design with shipper needs while spreading capital costs. The 4785 matters to modern freight railroading because it represents the move toward high-efficiency, specialized bulk transportation that supported the rapid growth of the plastics and chemical industries. By enabling faster unloading, higher capacities, and greater flexibility in plant design, it modernized bulk commodity handling and became a defining symbol of late-20th-century industrial rail service.

Features:
-All are Ready-to-Run
-Laser Sharp Painting and Printing
-Etched Metal Roofwalk
-Formed Brass Wire Details
-36" InterMountain Metal Wheelsets
-Metal Knuckle Couplers

*Minimum Radius - 18" (22" Recommended)