Proto 2000 MP 4427 Covered Hoppers

[Christian Johanningmeier]

Hi Everyone,

I have just been able to add a significant number of P2K MP Covered Hopper wagons to my fleet and this had made me realise it is well and truly time to start re-numbering some wagons so there is no duplicated numbers on my roster.

After using the “Prototype Information” resource in “mopac.org” it indicates that these hoppers totalled approximately 1250 units with some being built in 1966/67 and the majority being built in 1971.

Therefore my question; is the P2K model an accurate representation of all of these wagons and would it be prototypically correct to use the full road number range (711130 > 712387) on the P2K model?

I will probably construct most of these with the materials supplied and not enhance them with the likes of the “plano” detailing parts as was documented in great detail by Charlie Duckworth about 12-18 months ago.

Thanks again Charlie that was a great article!

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Regards
Bill Waterhouse
Toowoomba
Qld Australia

[elsaanderson820]

Bill,
I have put together about 150+ of these kits. Run good and look great.

I use

Joe’s Model Trains Decal and Detail Remover

to lift off the numbers without damaging the paint.

I also found a way to swap individual hatch covers with other kits. You can see some of these in my videos. Let me know if you want the technique. (To use, you need red [MKT] green [USLX] or yellow {Cargil, MLW] 4427 kits)

You can see these at https://youtu.be/ONpE5YdEGpM
(Not all are 4427, but most are)

[Mark Ransom]

The Proto 2000 car is an accurate model of cars from the MP 712255-712329 series (75 cars, built 7-71) only.

MP received two orders of PS-2CDs (4427 cu ft) in 1971:
PS Lot 9548
MP 711630-712054 (435 cars) built 6-71
CEI 712055-712129 (75 cars) built 6-71 to 7-71

PS Lot 9548A
CEI 712130-712254 (125 cars) built 7-71
MP 712255-712329 (75 cars) built 7-71 These are the Proto 2000 models

The CEI cars had CEI initials and the C&EI buzzsaw monogram so they do not match the lettering on the Proto cars. MP 711630-712054 have same lettering as MP 712255-712329 but with an earlier 6-71 build date. Unless you have more than 75 of the MP Proto covered hoppers it would be best to renumber your cars in the MP 712255-712329 series.

Kurt Hayek

[madonnasuffolk30]

Kurt,

What I believe he’s asking is the P2K model itself accurate for the PS 4427 – not the road names/number specific. The answer would be yes, the 4427 model is accurate for the 1967-71 date range for when the 4427 was built.

I agree the selected road numbers are not 100% accurate – or replicate a later-in-life paint scheme. When I did my research on the selected road numbers, I also found that they should have been C&EI lettered cars as you noted.

Nate

[Christian Johanningmeier]

Gentlemen,

Thank you very much for your replies.

All the information received has been very useful.

Now to the modelling desk!

Thanks

Bill Waterhouse

[Author]

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