This is just an initial step. The first one this obviously is a woodchip car for the Northern Pacific. All of these cars in the Northern Pacific Fleet as well as the Great Northern's, had ribbed sides. All the MTH O scale versions have smooth sides. Eventually, Montana Rail Link purchased some of these cars from Burlington Northern.
I decided to add the ribs! We will see how I do. I will have to custom paint for GN as MTH never made any in the GN scheme. The NP scheme was only made once 20 years ago!
These ribs are just wood slats laying on the car. Nothing has been permanently affixed yet. Have several more steps to consider.