Prototype Info

In 1995, Trinity Industries introduced a new center-sill design covered hopper car designed primarily for grain transport. The new design was visually quite different - this one featured curved sides versus previously familiar rib-sided design adopted from Pullman-Standard. The new 5161 cubic-foot capacity design along with the recently introduced allowable 286,000 lbs GRL (Gross Rail Loading) brought a new standard to the industry (Trinity's competition were ACF and Thrall).

Initial deliveries went to Trinity's leasing component and to ADM Transportation, a large private company heavily invested in grain products. Within months, deliveries to the other “grain” companies began rolling down the steel rails. Eventually, the traditional grain railroads jumped in on the game with BNSF leading the pack. The 5161 grain variants have long trough hatches usually broken into sections for easy opening. The outlets on grain cars are usually gravity-only and vary by manufacturer. Fixed shaker brackets can be found on the hopper sides. However, not all the 5161s are for grain-products. BNSF has a good-sized fleet of cars used for sugar transport that feature round-hatches in elongated hatches, gravity-pneumatic gates and have special interior lining. Other variations include round-hatch only cars for chemical transport and cars being used for the potash and fertilizer industry.

Currently, the design is still in production with over 27,000 units being delivered and this model stands as being the most popular grain car in today's market.

Features:

• Road name specific details
• Metal stirrups and grab irons
• Trucks have rotating bearing caps
• Etched-metal roof walk and safety platforms
• Different hatch styles as appropriate per road name
• Die-cast trucks and couplers
• Authentically detailed paint schemes
• Length: Approx. 14.5”
• Height: Approx. 3.9”
• Minimum diameter curve (3-Rail): O-54
• Minimum radius (2-Rail) : 36”

About Atlas O Scale Rolling Stock

Atlas O scale rolling stock represents the pinnacle of decades of research and development, resulting in some of the most prototypically accurate model railroad products on the market today and includes a wide array of car types, from box cars, to passenger cars to cabooses. In addition to being intricately detailed, Atlas O scale rolling stock features crisp painting and lettering, perfectly recreating the colorful paint schemes found on their real-world counterparts. Available in 3-Rail and 2-Rail, all Atlas O scale rolling stock is ready to run right out of the box, so you can go straight from the hobby store to using the model in your fleet.

About Atlas Model Railroad Company

The primary mission of Atlas is to produce and offer to the public, multiple scale lines of high quality, model railroad products based on prototype information. Atlas’ philosophy is based on a dedicated commitment to prototype research, design and construction. The desired and demanded goal is to create, market and distribute durable operational scale models utilizing the full range of exacting detail which accurately depicts life-sized objects, while providing exceptional service to Atlas customers. In 1999, Atlas O was founded so that the hallmark of Atlas products in HO & N could be offered to O scale modelers. Since then, the product line has expanded to include a vast library of track pieces, accessories, as well as rolling stock and locomotives.

By keeping up the high standards set by Steve Schaffan those many years ago, Atlas will remain a leader in innovation and technology in the model railroading industry for years to come. Although many things have changed since Atlas incorporation in 1949, they follow the tradition and values of their founders. As Atlas have for the last 50 years, they will continue to produce quality, precision products for the model railroad enthusiast.

Order Due Date: June 27, 2025

Anticipated Delivery Date: December 2025

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