Correct size wheels

[Highballin]

What are the correct size wheels for a 36' 2 bay open hopper? Thanks.

highballin

[Len]

In general freight cars, including a 36ft open hopper, use 33in wheels.

Some modern freight cars have 28in wheels to help with vertical clearance issues, e.g., container carriers running double stacked and special purpose flats carrying tall loads.

There are a couple of odd ball exceptions, but normally passenger cars use 36in wheels.

Len

[ebtnut]

Again, the era counts.  From about the 1930's through the 1950's the standard freight car wheel was 33".  As noted, some modern extra-height cars (double-stacks; auto racks) may use 28" to save some clearance.  Most modern 100-ton freight cars (coal hoppers, covered hoppers) use 36" wheels today.  A 36' open top hopper is of the 33" wheel era.