Model Railroading > Tangent's April 2026 Release: HO IC/ICG 3834cf Quad Coal Hopper

Asheville, North Carolina:  Tangent Scale Models announces the availability today of a new run of our HO Scale IC/ICG Centralia Shops 3834cf Quad Coal Hopper.  Never-before available in brass or plastic, we are excited to bring you this railroad-specific coal hopper model in HO Scale.  Oh, and we are thrilled to announce that we also have the Hopper Toppers back in stock and for sale as well – so you can convert your coal hoppers to grain hoppers like the real ICG did!

No preorders.  No waiting.  These cars are available right now. 

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.  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 for Inland Steel and 50 cars for Indianapolis Power & Light.  While over half of the ICG fleet was rebuilt into visually different 3614cf cars between 1980-1982, more than 700 cars survived in their original build configuration.  Some original Centralia Quads would see extended lives on ICG spin-offs like the Chicago Central and Paducah & Louisville. The original fleet of Centralia Quads dwindled quickly through the early 1990s.
 
Interestingly, in 1973, the ICG experienced record levels of grain shipments while at the same time the ICG’s grain hopper fleet was fully utilized, so Centralia Quad “coal” hoppers were quicky pressed into service.  Proform Incorporated developed a fiberglass “Hopper Topper” that provided ICG an easy path to convert some of the Centralia Quad coal hopper fleet to grain service as needed.  The “Hopper Topper” included trough hatches on the roof and kept the food grade lading dry like a traditional covered hopper! 

It is important to note: These 3834 cubic foot IC Centralia quad coal hoppers are quite different from “Western Design” 3600 cubic foot and Bethlehem Steel Corporation “Eastern Design” 3350 cubic foot hoppers, both offered by Tangent.  That’s right, we have now tooled our 3rd different quad coal hopper system: the correct IC Centralia Quad Hopper!

The Tangent Scale Models IC Centralia Shops 3834cf Quad Coal Hopper system features multiple era-specific bodies covering the original 1968-1977 built variants.  Our 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 our “near-scale” draft gear box including side “key” detail as well as full body interior rivet detail. Our 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, our model includes a realistic, removable coal load of either the “flood” or “tipple” style.
 
Our April 24, 2026 release of the IC/ICG Centralia Shops 3834cf Quad Coal Hopper includes three railroad schemes, four RTR unlettered options plus separate “Hopper Topper” 3-Packs.

- INLX Inland Steel “Delivery Black 7-1968" models the 270 car delivery for Inland Steel, built by Centralia in 1968.  Inland Steel cars were used on IC-powered unit trains that ran between Inland Mine No. 1 near Sesser, IL and the Inland Steel Plant in East Chicago, Indiana.  Heads up ATSF guys:  We also have photo evidence of the Inland Steel unit train cars running Westbound - loaded - on the ATSF through Joliet, IL in 1976!  The Tangent INLX cars feature a 1968 body with two separate grab irons on the left side.  The hopper doors have the same Keystone Monoloc locking mechanisms as the 1968 IC cars, along with hanging brake linkage running between the bays.  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!) flood-style coal load, accurate for the Inland No.1 Mine coal loader at Sesser, IL.  These coal cars roll on Tangent 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with separate truck brake beams and rotating Timken caps.  Centralia painted the cars black with Inland’s diamond logo and large “INLAND STEEL” graphics.  Did you notice that “extra tall” ACI label on the side of the car?  The INLX cars utilized an extra 3-digits on the ACI “barcode” to denote the first three digits of the cars light weight.  This assisted Inland Steel in their automated weighing of the cars.  Of course, we have carefully duplicated this neat little piece of lettering.  All IC Quads are not alike – these Inland Steel cars have a specific body and build for INLX, compared to their IC cousins.  Yes, Tangent tooled an INLX-specific body shell to handle the details.  Finally, your Inland Steel trains can have accurate Centralia Quad Hoppers, and not stand-in models!  These INLX models are available in 12 (new for 2026) road numbers from the July 1968 build month, with varying CAPY and date-related data.  SKU 32111


- IC "Delivery Black 1969" replicates the Illinois Central’s largest order of 1,200 quad hoppers that rolled off of the Centralia, IL assembly line during the first months of 1969.  The IC prototype body changed from the first order in 1968 (as duplicated by Tangent’s first run of IC cars.)  The Tangent model features an accurate 1969 body, with a two-rung ladder on the left side of the body (compare that to the 2 grab irons on the left side for the 1968 order.)  Yes, we have tooled multiple IC Quad Hopper bodies to get these details right!  Centralia was a big believer in riveted construction, and this hopper is full of them, inside and out!  The Quad bays have separate door and door frame details.  The hopper doors themselves are fitted with intricate Keystone Monoloc locking mechanisms, accurate for this 1969 group of IC cars.  If you peek at the centersill, you will notice the proper hanging brake linkage running between the bays, including the automatic slack adjuster with its protective shield.  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.  IC painted the cars black with the classic orange “Split Rail” logo on the right.  These Illinois Central models are available in 24 numbers with month-specific build dates and date-related data: SKUs -01 through -06 are 1-1969.  SKUs -07 through -24 are 2-1969.  SKU 32113

- ICG "Delivery Black 1977" represents the 400 coal cars delivered new to the ICG in 1977.  The Tangent model features an accurate body for this 1977 group.  Yes, we tooled a body specifically for this ICG series of cars, with a combination of late details like the left-hand ladder, large end sill gusset plates and a lower angled brake cylinder lever support.  These little details are worth getting right.  The Quad bays have separate door and door frame detail.  The hopper doors themselves are fitted with Unit Latch lock locking mechanisms, accurate for this 1977 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 in with the new version of the ICG graphics with a circle around the “I.”  A very cool looking paint and lettering scheme.  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 1-1977.  SKUs -13 through -24 are 2-1977.  SKU 32114
 
- ICG Orange Hopper Topper 3-Pack 1973+ illustrates a railroad in problem-solving mode.  In 1973, the ICG experienced record levels of grain shipments from Iowa and Minnesota.  The ICG’s grain hopper fleet utilization was stretched to its limits, and Centralia Quad hoppers were quickly pressed into service, utilizing plastic tarps for weather protection.  A more elegant solution was proposed by Proform Incorporated in Minneapolis, MN: a fiberglass top that could be bolted onto the Centralia Quad.  This “Hopper Topper” allowed ICG to convert the 100-ton coal hopper fleet to grain service as needed, and providing shippers an additional 7,000 pounds of hauling capacity with trough hatch loading capability and weather protection.  Successful tests concluded in the summer of 1973, and Proform was delivering “Hopper Toppers” by the end of the year to Paducah KY.  It took 30 minutes to attach the fiberglass cover to a hopper, and the cars were put into use hauling wheat, corn, and soybeans.  These Tangent covers feature prototype accuracy and were designed from real photos and blueprints and feature a beautiful etched metal Morton walkway.  While this truly innovative solution was utilized by other railroads in later years, our Hopper Topper replicas are designed to fit the Tangent IC/ICG Centralia Shops 3834cf Quad Coal Hopper.
SKU 32109-01 (3-pack of Hopper-Topper Covers)

We also offer four painted and unlettered RTR options available, continuing our dedication to the customers that want to finish their own cars.  We have painted these models black for you, so they are ready for decaling (and yes, accurate decals exist)!  We are modelers too, and we continue to offer undecorated products for our like-minded customers. 
 
- Unlettered RTR Black IC 1968 Body is a completely assembled RTR model, painted black and unlettered.  It features the 1968 body with two stand-off grab irons on the left side of the body, Underframe brake linkage, Monoloc door locks, Tipple-Style coal load, Ajax high handbrake and Morton-style brake step.  This model includes Tangent 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with rotating Timken caps and CNC-machined 36” wheels along with Genuine Kadee® scale couplers.  Use this car for the following prototype series or your own road:
IC 78000-78999 1968 (ICG 360000-360999)
IC 89280-89699 1968 (ICG 362280-362699)
Also closest to INLX 10000-10270 1968
SKU 32105-01
 
- Unlettered RTR Black IC 1969 Body is a completely assembled RTR model, painted black and unlettered.  It features the 1969 body with a two-rung ladder on the left side of the body, Underframe brake linkage, Monoloc door locks, Tipple-Style coal load, Ajax high handbrake and Morton-style brake step.  This model includes Tangent 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with rotating Timken caps and CNC-machined 36” wheels along with Genuine Kadee® scale couplers.  Use this car for the following prototype series or your own road:
IC 85000-86199 1969 (ICG 361000-362199)
IC 89700-89999 1969 (ICG 362700-362999)
SKU 32106-01
 
- Unlettered RTR Black ICG 1972 Body is a completely assembled RTR model, painted black and unlettered.  It features the 1972 body assembly, with a two-rung ladder on the left side of the body, hidden center-tube brake linkage, Monoloc door locks, Tipple-Style coal load, Ajax high handbrake and Morton-style brake step.  This model includes Tangent 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with rotating Timken caps and CNC-machined 36” wheels along with Genuine Kadee® scale couplers.  Use this car for the following prototype series or your own road:
ICG 363000-363099 1972
INLX 10271-10330 1972
EWSX 10001-10050 1972
SKU 32107-01
 
- Unlettered RTR Black ICG 1977 Body is a completely assembled RTR model, painted black and unlettered.  It features the 1977 body assembly, with a two-rung ladder on the left side of the body, hidden center-tube brake linkage, Unit Latch door locks, Tipple-Style coal load, Ajax high handbrake and Morton-style brake step.  This model includes Tangent 100-ton Barber S-2 trucks with rotating Timken caps and CNC-machined 36” wheels along with Genuine Kadee® scale couplers.  Use this car for the following prototype series or your own road:
ICG 363100-363499 1977
SKU 32108-01
 
All of these models (with prototype Bethlehem coal hopper photos) can be seen at www.tangentscalemodels.com !
 
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.  Our 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 our fine “near-scale” draft gear box with beautifully-rendered side “key” detail.  Our 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, we 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 our 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
• Our precision Tangent Scale Models 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

 
Don’t miss out on the Tangent Scale Models IC/ICG Centralia 3834cf Quad Coal Hopper.  Pricing for RTR models is $54.95, with quantity discounts for direct purchases from Tangent Scale Models.  RTR Proform Incorporated "Hopper Topper” roof covers are available in 3-packs for $44.95.
 
That wraps up our update for today, and thank you for supporting the family-owned businesses in our industry! 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/24/26 04:49 by TangentScaleModels.

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Note that the price is a bit less than the most recent offering of open hoppers.

Lighter Wrote:
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> Note that the price is a bit less than the most
> recent offering of open hoppers.

Maybe because it's a rerun?

Or because the effective tariff rate is lower.

CPR_4000 Wrote:
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> Lighter Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Note that the price is a bit less than the most
> > recent offering of open hoppers.
>
> Maybe because it's a rerun?