{"product_id":"icg-orange-hopper-topper-3pk","title":"Tangent Scale Models HO Illinois Central Gulf (ICG) Orange Hopper Topper 3-Pack","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"mb-2 typography-heading-sm\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-4 typography-body-sm\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCentralia 3834 cuft Quad Hopper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScale:\u003c\/strong\u003e HO Scale 1:87.1\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1973-1983\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"mb-2 typography-heading-sm\"\u003eICG Orange Hopper Topper 3-Pack (1973+)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-4 typography-body-sm\"\u003eThis product captures a fascinating moment in railroad history, showcasing the \u003cstrong\u003eICG's problem-solving ingenuity\u003c\/strong\u003e during a period of record grain shipments from Iowa and Minnesota in 1973. Faced with a stretched grain hopper fleet, the ICG turned to creative solutions to meet the demand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"mb-1 typography-body-emphasized\"\u003eKey Features and Historical Context:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"mb-4\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInnovative Adaptation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Centralia Quad hoppers were repurposed for grain service using plastic tarps for weather protection. However, Proform Incorporated from Minneapolis, MN proposed a more elegant solution—a \u003cstrong\u003efiberglass top\u003c\/strong\u003e that could be bolted onto the hoppers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnhanced Functionality:\u003c\/strong\u003e The \"Hopper Topper\" conversion allowed the \u003cstrong\u003e100-ton coal hopper fleet\u003c\/strong\u003e to haul grain, offering an additional \u003cstrong\u003e7,000 pounds of capacity\u003c\/strong\u003e with trough hatch loading capability and weather protection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEfficient Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e The fiberglass cover could be attached in just \u003cstrong\u003e30 minutes\u003c\/strong\u003e, enabling the cars to haul wheat, corn, and soybeans effectively.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrototype Accuracy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tangent Scale Models designed these covers based on \u003cstrong\u003ereal photos and blueprints\u003c\/strong\u003e, ensuring \u003cstrong\u003eauthenticity\u003c\/strong\u003e. The model includes a \u003cstrong\u003ebeautiful etched metal Morton walkway\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"mb-1 typography-body-emphasized\"\u003eHistorical Milestones:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"mb-4\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer 1973:\u003c\/strong\u003e Successful tests of the Hopper Topper concluded.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnd of 1973:\u003c\/strong\u003e Proform began delivering the fiberglass tops to Paducah, KY.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLegacy:\u003c\/strong\u003e While other railroads adopted this innovative solution in later years, Tangent’s replicas are specifically designed to fit the \u003cstrong\u003eIC\/ICG Centralia Shops 3834cf Quad Coal Hopper\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-4 typography-body-sm\"\u003eThis model is a true celebration of \u003cstrong\u003erailroad innovation\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003ehistorical accuracy\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it a standout addition to any HO scale collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tangent Scale Models","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53039314239801,"sku":"TAN32109-01","price":44.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0731\/8781\/9833\/files\/TAN32109-01.jpg?v=1777573666","url":"https:\/\/hiawathahobbies.com\/products\/icg-orange-hopper-topper-3pk","provider":"Hiawatha Hobbies LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}