Bluford Shops 74075 N Illinois Central Split Rail 3-Bay Offset Side Hopper 67132

70 ton 3-Bay Offset Side Hoppers first appeared in the late '20s and by the late '30s had become an AAR standard design with cars delivered from a number of builders in large quantities. The last of these cars were delivered in the late-'60s and many remained in service through the '80s.

These ready-to-run models feature: diecast slope sheet-hopper bay-center sill assembly; injection molded plastic sides, ends, and hopper doors; fully molded brake tank, valve and air lines; slope sheet braces; separately molded vertical brake rod and lever assembly; body mounted brake hose detail; “coal” load except as noted; body mounted magnetically operating couplers; close coupling; friction bearing or roller bearing trucks as appropriate for each road name. All road names are produced in multiple road numbers.

Illinois Central was one of the last two railroads to take delivery of offset side hoppers. This group entered service in 1967, not long after IC adopted their new image featuring the “split rail” logo. The left half of the logo forms the letter i while the right half forms the letter c. The design was probably too subtle as few people made the connection on their own. This paint scheme will be available in 6 road numbers.

Note: Pictures may be of another Road Number.