One of the most distinctive cars in service today, the Ortner 100-Ton Aggregate Cars are built for rough service and heavy hauling.

Like other three-bay open hoppers, you'll find them hard at work moving limestone, iron ore, gravel, sand and similar materials.

But what sets the Ortner apart from the pack is their unique appearance, designed to increase carrying capacity and reduce costs.

With their big, square bodies that stand nearly 12' above the rails, they have a look like no other rail car. The body measures just over 30' inside. But to help carry the enormous load and reduce the possibility of damaging the rails, the weight is spread out over a long 43' 10" frame. This leaves large porches at both ends of the car, which are equipped with handrails much like a locomotive. Brake equipment is easy to reach, and some owners have used this extra space to install controls for air-operated discharge doors which speed unloading.

Now, Walthers is proud to roll out ready-to-run models of these cars. You'll see them loading at rock crushers like Glacier Gravel (933-3703 Deluxe kit with resin accessories; 933-3062 standard kit) and delivering crushed stone to Red X Cement 933-3704 or hot mix plants like Black Gold Asphalt 933-3085. You'll also find them shuttling between iron ore mines and steel works that need lots of raw materials delivered in bulk.

Our models come fully assembled, ready to handle the dirty work on your HO Scale railroad. We include molded end railings, a detailed underframe, a simulated load, trucks and working knuckle couplers. Plus, optional air controls are included as separate parts that you can install to model a favorite prototype. For those who demand more detail, starter points to simplify adding wire grab irons (sold separately) are molded right on the body.