I have an ACF builders photo (1907) of D&H 27507 - a
definite hopper - with "xxxx hopper door service |
patented" on the side. Very similar construction (at
least given the two photos).
Most hoppers and Drop Bottom Gons had some form of patented
door/opening/device signage on the car - not unlike that for MCB or other
draft gear, brake beams, axles, and other patented
devices. Were you able to look at the side of this as a new
car, you'd likely see the "Hopper" lettering...although most of
the time this was in 1" or 2" letters to adhere to the letter
of the contracts/license/patent.
On the D&H car, there is even smaller lettering at the top of the
non-brake-staff end that can not be determined (using that designation on
purpose as the lettering does not appear to refer to the staff,wheel or
other brake portions - the New York Brake info is lettered below that
though...)
At 10:01 AM 12/29/2019, you wrote:
I found the same listings as
Eric, and these cars are present in my 1930 ORER, but not my
1935.
I think they are "legitimate" class HT cars. There is a
clamshell-type hopper chute just in front of the KD air reservoir, and
probably a second one hiding behind it. The design is somewhat
reminiscent of the D&H's Seley hoppers in their as-built
configuration, absent the steel truss.
--
Dave Parker
Swall Meadows, CA
Bob Webber