FT 3401 Z Rock Island Offset Woodchip, OPEN 33' OFFSET-SIDE WOODCHIP HOPPERS

FT 3401 Z Rock Island Offset Woodchip (2) NO# 89425 + 89468 A new style woodchip hopper! When helpful and profitable uses for woodchips were realized after mid-century, and they transcended being "trash," there was a scramble to figure out a way to transport them via the railroads. Old hopper cars, both ribbed and offset were pressed into service. The addition of "extended tops" made the transport of the lighter-than-coal chiploads effective and productive. All manner of tops were conceived, from wood planking and braced ply-boards to welded steel sheeting and scrap siding. This new woodchip hopper represents the use of older refurbished offset hoppers with a welded sheet-steel extension. OPEN 33' OFFSET-SIDE WOODCHIP HOPPERS