Top Gon trains

[bobr349]

As recently as this summer, I've been seeing Top Gons intermixed with NS-marked 3 and 4-bay traditional bottom-drop coal hoppers. In the past, Top Gons ran in consists that only included other "bathtub"-type gons. Am I incorrect in assuming that the traditional hoppers have been fitted with rotary couplers so they too can be accommodated in the same dumpers as the Top Gons?

[NSMoWandS]

Some of the 3 bay and 4 bay hoppers already have rotory couplers from the factory. That way they can be unloaded with a rotory dump or through the bottom. Usually, power plants in the north request this, as the cold weather can affect the rotory dumper. Hope this helps.