This 33' Twin Bay Hopper with Rib Sides and Coal Load is painted black with the white "iron Cross" logo and white lettering.  The Irwin Gas Coal Basin is an area in the State of Pennsylvania in Westmoreland and Venango Counties.  It encompasses the townships of North Huntington, Penn, Sewickley, Salem, South Huntington, Hempfield and Irwin, and the Buroughs of Murrysville, Export and Delmont.  The coal mined in the district was unsuitable for use as coke.  However, it was ideal for gasification and conversion into coal gas.  Penn Gas Coal Co. was one of seven companies that dominated the Irwin Basin.  The Penn Gas Coal Co. was formed in 1861.  In 1905, the Westmoreland Coal Company bought a controlling interest in Penn Gas Coal Co. then obtained a part ownership in the Manor Gas Coal Company.  Through these purchases it was clear that Westmoreland Coal Company had a near monopoly on the gas coal market.