Audio Transcript:
A hopper car is defined as a freight car, usually open at the top and containing one or more compartments so that bulk cargo can be quickly discharged through its bottom. Some hoppers are open topped for cargo not requiring protection from the weather, such as gravel, ballast or coal. Some hoppers are covered, usually with a roof, for cargo requiring protection from the weather, such as grain, corn, animal feed, sand, cereal, soda ash, powdered chemicals, etc.
The Western Pacific Railroad Museum has in its collection many different types of hopper cars of various sizes and types used for carrying all sorts of commodities on the Western Pacific Railroad. In addition, we also feature various hoppers used in Maintenance-of-Way Service, listed in the Maintenance-of-Way collection.
