This EBT 70,000 lb. capacity hopper is in a fight for it's life. First the protective paint came off, and the rusting began. Then a little sprig of a plant took root near the front journal. Larger, thicker it grew while the hopper made no move to escape. Now the tree is a snake, intertwining itself and pulling down it's prey back to the earth from whence it came. Unless a miracle occurs, the hopper will lose this battle that has been on going for over fifty eight years.