4000 Covered Hopper

Prototype Information

Pullman-Standard introduced the PS-2 4000 covered hopper in the early 1960s to meet growing demand for larger, more efficient bulk freight cars. With a capacity of 4,000 cubic feet, this car handled a wide range of dry commodities like grain, cement, and plastic pellets with ease.

Built with an all-steel body and center-discharge bays, the PS-2 4000 offered durability and quick unloading—features that railroads and private shippers quickly came to rely on. Unlike its smaller predecessors in the PS-2 line, this version stretched longer and stood taller, maximizing load volume without sacrificing stability or performance.

Railroads across North America put the PS-2 4000 to work on mainlines and branch lines alike, where it became a common sight through the 1960s and beyond. Even as newer models like the PS-4750 took over, the 4000 held its ground thanks to its rugged construction and practical design.

Today, it remains a favorite in both real-world freight rosters and model railroading collections—a symbol of the era when covered hoppers stepped up to meet the freight demands of modern industry.