Beginning in the late 50s, wood chips went from something to be disposed of to a valuable commodity. Since wood chips are less dense than coal, gravel and other hopper loads, many railroads added high extensions to standard hoppers for this service. The extentions were simple affairs, either rib sided or flat sided that were welded to the top chords of standard hoppers. Like our coal hoppers, these N scale models will come ready-to-run with knuckle couplers, and loads.. First draft artwork is show here and is subject to improvement by our crack research staff!

Chicago & North Western Offset Side Wood Chip Hopper with Rib Side Extensions. In 1964, Chicago & North Western converted a small portion of their coal hopper fleet with the addition of ribbed extentions, not for wood chips but for scrap tinplate service. This group was assigned for loading in Butler, Wisconsin.