In 1968, Southern Illinois and Kentucky Bituminous coal was on the rise. In response to increased carloadings and unit train opportunities, the Illinois Central Railroad (“IC”) tasked its own Centralia, Illinois, Car Shops to modernize the IC coal hopper fleet. Their answer was an all-new 100-ton 3834 cubic foot Quad Coal Hopper. These modern coal hoppers utilized exterior-post construction and quad unloading chutes. Centralia Shops built multiple orders of the cars on an assembly line between 1968 and 1977, averaging 8 cars per day during assembly line production. 3,420 “Centralia Quads” became the backbone of the IC(G)’s modern coal hauling capacity. IC/ICG Centralia also built an additional 330 cars built for Inland Steel and 50 cars for Indianapolis Power & Light.

The Tangent Scale Models IC Centralia Shops 3834cf Quad Coal Hopper system features multiple era-specific bodies covering the original 1968-1977 built variants. Tangent Scale Models model is a dimensionally-accurate replica of the real car, and includes other key build variations such as bay door locking mechanisms, brake housings, brake equipment and end frames. This replica includes Tangent Scale Models “near-scale” draft gear box including side “key” detail as well as full body interior rivet detail. Tangent Scale Models ready-to-operate replica is finished with separate, real wire grab irons, coupler lift bars, rubber air hoses, genuine Kadee scale couplers, accurate CNC-machined wheels, 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with prototype-specific rotating bearing caps and sufficient hidden weights to ensure the model operates as good as it looks. Finally, this model includes a realistic, removeable coal load of either the “flood” or “tipple” style.

The Tangent Scale Models IC/ICG Centralia 3834cf Quad Coal Hopper is a state of the art, dimensionally-accurate scale replica with highly accurate “true-to-life” colors and precise letter stencils. Tangent Scale Models IC Centralia 3834cf Quad Coal Hopper system of models offers a multitude of detail variations and phases to replicate the many different Centralia offerings. Example variations include: 1968, 1969, 1972 and 1977 body assembly builds. This replica includes their fine “near-scale” draft gear box with beautifully-rendered side “key” detail. Tangent Scale Models ready-to-operate replica is finished scale metal grab irons, coupler lift bars, accompanying Kadee scale couplers and NMRA-compliant yet hidden weights to ensure the model operates as good as it looks. At more than 120 parts per car, not to mention phase accurate details, genuine Kadee couplers, and all-metal wheels, Tangent Scale Models provide you with a high-value model that will provide you with years of enjoyment and curb-appeal.

These products are shipping today!  A quick synopsis of Tangent Scale Models IC Centralia Quad 3834cf Quad Coal Hopper era and railroad-specific details and variations include:

• Dimensional accuracy – designed from IC Centralia Shops Quad 3834cf Quad Coal Hopper plans and verified with field measurements

• Highly correct “true to life” colors

• Industry-leading “Hyper-Accurate” lettering including exact fonts and lettering placement

• Genuine Kadee scale couplers

• “Near-scale” draft gear box with beautifully-rendered side “key” detail

• Multiple road numbers for each scheme

• Multiple IC/ICG Centralia 1968, 1969, 1972, 1977 bodies and assembly builds, with end frame, ladder assemblies and brake gear details

• Two coal load options: Flood vs. Tipple Style

• “See through” brake step platform

• Proform Incorporated “Hopper Topper” roof covers with etched metal running boards available separately

• Road-specific details for each scheme, including 6 brake wheel housing options and 2 different routing board options.

• Beautiful details including separately-applied scale wire grab irons and coupler lift bars – no “molded on” plastic grab irons or “thick” plastic grab iron parts anywhere on this replica!

• Separate flexible rubber air hoses

• CNC-machined 36” wheels with accurate front and back detail

• Tangent Scale Models precision 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with prototype-specific rotating bearing caps (four possible options!) and separate brake beam part (2 possible options!)

• Weighted to NMRA specifications – yes, even with the coal load removed!

• Recommended age 14 years and older

– ICG “Delivery Black 1972” shows the first 100 coal cars delivered new to the ICG in 1972. The Tangent model features an accurate body for this 1972 group – that means these is now a full two-rung ladder on the left side of the car instead of the earlier-style separate grab irons. The Quad bays have separate door and door frame detail. The hopper doors themselves are fitted with intricate Keystone Monoloc locking mechanisms, accurate for this 1972 ICG delivery. Looking closely at the centersill, you will notice that there is no visible linkage between the bays. Yes, this is accurate — these cars were built with the linkage in a hidden center tube that runs the length of the car, hidden by the centersill. The B-End of the car has an accurate Ajax high handbrake, Morton brake step and modern brake wheel. Inside, the models have a gorgeous (and removable!) tipple-style coal load. These coal cars roll on Tangent 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with separate truck brake beams and rotating Timken caps. ICG painted the cars black with the new ICG black “I-Ball” logo inside an orange circle. A fun fact: Centralia built this ICG series in “reverse” order, and we have duplicated that with the execution of the date-related data on the car numbers. These cars are a big deal for the ICG modelers out there. Do not miss out. Available in 24 numbers: SKUs -01 through -12 are 10-72.  SKUs -13 through -24 are 9-72.

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