Copyright © 1996-2005
Kevin E. Musser

Building a Copper Range Steel Rock Car

The finished model without lettering and weathering

A photo of the prototype later in life with Copper Range lettering barely visible. Cars had the reporting marks and numbers repainted.

A photo with the Copper Range lettering visible

The last trip for the Copper Range rock cars (9/6/67)

Standard USRA 50-55 Ton Rock Cars Built by Pressed Steel Car Co and Western Steel Car & Foundry Co

Copper Range numbered 3000-3074

Starting with a Bowser PRR H-22a Hopper Car #56000

Cut the center two bays away with a razor saw

Cut the upper plate away with a razor saw

Attach the two halves, cut the underframe support structure to fit.

Paint and letter, add a pair of KADEE arch-bar trucks and #5 couplers and the model is complete.

Many thanks to Bob Oom for thinking of this conversion in the first place, I am just showing you how it is done.

Kevin Musser