Hello Group:

This isn’t a build as much as it is an experiment to see if the results look ok. After reading a couple old articles in MR about adding extra details to hopper car kits, I thought I would try it. Below is the frame from Bower’s 12-panel triple hopper kit. Styrene brackets were made to reposition the air reservoir. Also, the control valve provided in the kit was modified and repositioned to match the photo I was referencing. Regarding the valve, what type of valve was used on the HT classes of hopper cars? I’m not too happy with the results because I know the valve is wrong. However, once the frame and details are painted black, it won’t be too noticeable.

More information on the Bowser kit and various roads that had 12-panel triple hopper cars can be found in the following articles (available for free at TrainLife.com):

45-Foot 12-panel Triple Hoppers: Part 1, by Jim Eager, RailModel Journal, July 96, p. 4-10.
45-Foot 12-panel Triple Hoppers: Part 2, by Jim Eager, RailModel Journal September, 96, p. 40-45.

Looks pretty good so far Mark. Any detail is better than just the 3 parts most cars come with. I'd say adding the slope sheet supports would go a lot further towards the overall look than worrying about the particular valve type. Nice pics too.
Here's a collaborative effort of an Htl RRDavey added the piping to.

Believe it or not, I'm just finishing up this Htl. I haven't had a lot of modeling time over the past two years but have been working bits and pieces on this hopper. I've finished the touchup paint and some pretty severe weathering. Now I'm working on weathering the trucks, rusting the couplers, and adding a coal load. Two more weeks or so and it should be done.

Regarding the details, Bill. I didn't think the quads had the slope sheet supports like the twins or triple bays. If so I missed them in my research, and it's too late to add them now! Like you I'm not quite as worried about the exact valves or piping; close enough is OK with me for most models.--Dave