How should I make this Boston & Maine boxcar?

[wcfn100]

Here's the car I'm working on:



What you see here is a MLT body and the main running gear with a RC under frame and running gear to the ladders.  I struggled (still think about it) with the length and width issues, but ultimately I like how the detail stand out on the MTL car, and the clincher for me was the ease to replace the door (no milling).  Of course now I have no source for my doors. 


Jason

[garethashenden]

I just had a close look at the prototype photos that I have and I've come to the conclusion that the ladder on the HO model is in the wrong place, it should be closer to the end and lined up with the stirrup.  I think that negates the issue of corner detail to some extent. I'm going to get one of the FNS cars and probably another RC car and compare them.

[wcfn100]

I just had a close look at the prototype photos that I have and I've come to the conclusion that the ladder on the HO model is in the wrong place, it should be closer to the end and lined up with the stirrup.  I think that negates the issue of corner detail to some extent.

Well there you go. 


Jason

[jimmo]

How many XM-1 boxcars would you need if you had a source?

[wcfn100]

So I got a chance to get to my stuff and there's a couple things to mention for better or for worse.

First, the model shown is correct in that the side ladder don't overlap the end rivets on the end.  But that's something that can be addressed a few different ways and certainly not something to discourage the project.

Second, I hadn't noticed but the roof on the model isn't a match for any of the models we've talked about.  B&M 72000-72999 had Murphy Solid Steel roofs.  You can see the ridges along the roof.  The good news is that the B&M had another series 71000-71974 that had ARA all steel roofs which are a match.  That series was delivered with a unique 3 panel wood/steel door, but later replaced with a Youngstown door.

edit:  one thing to mention about the door is that I don't think you'll find anything of the shelf that will match.  The doors on the B&M cars were top supported so the two little tabs that hold the guide are at the top and not the bottom like pretty much every other type of car.  Again, not a big deal, but something you may have noticed in the pictures.

Cars from both series were renumbered in the mid to late 50's.

Some more 'good news' items are that the B&M cars can also double for some WAG cars as they bought 150 cars in the late 50's and MTC, a B&M subsidiary, can could use this car as well.


Jason

[garethashenden]

How many XM-1 boxcars would you need if you had a source?

If I manage to cast my own I'll probably go for a dozen or so, if it's someone else's kit then only one or two.

So I got a chance to get to my stuff and there's a couple things to mention for better or for worse.

First, the model shown is correct in that the side ladder don't overlap the end rivets on the end.  But that's something that can be addressed a few different ways and certainly not something to discourage the project.

Second, I hadn't noticed but the roof on the model isn't a match for any of the models we've talked about.  B&M 72000-72999 had Murphy Solid Steel roofs.  You can see the ridges along the roof.  The good news is that the B&M had another series 71000-71974 that had ARA all steel roofs which are a match.  That series was delivered with a unique 3 panel wood/steel door, but later replaced with a Youngstown door.

edit:  one thing to mention about the door is that I don't think you'll find anything of the shelf that will match.  The doors on the B&M cars were top supported so the two little tabs that hold the guide are at the top and not the bottom like pretty much every other type of car.  Again, not a big deal, but something you may have noticed in the pictures.

Cars from both series were renumbered in the mid to late 50's.

Some more 'good news' items are that the B&M cars can also double for some WAG cars as they bought 150 cars in the late 50's and MTC, a B&M subsidiary, can could use this car as well.


Jason

I was aware of the different roofs and doors. The two prototype pictures I have are of 71000 cars, so I'll probably do that first. I'm modeling the 1946-1952, so they would mostly, if not all, have Youngstown doors.

One thought though, at what point does styrene and Archer rivets become easier than modifying a RTR model? I don't think we're there yet, but it may be getting close...

[jimmo]

How accurate is the F&C HO-scale kit?

[jmlaboda]

I had thought it was B&M specific, but I guess L&N, BAR, CRI&P, and Rock Island also had them.

In regards to the wood single sheathed boxcar...

before the famous 100 car order of PS1 boxcars by the Georgia & Florida there were a large number of cars like these in use and I have seen a number of other roads that had them as well.

You can add the Seaboard Air Line to the list as well... (hope you can still access the attachments at NEO'ed Yahoo! Groups... (special thanks to Warren Calloway, who very generously shares a wealth of images he has collected over the years!!!)

https://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/2892807/hr/694321597/name/SAL13902.jpg
https://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/2892807/hr/312723145/name/SAL12196.jpg

And here is a link to the Steam Era Freight Cars website's SAL "B-3"-class single sheathed boxcars...

http://www.steamerafreightcars.com/gallery/boxauto/salb345main.html

[jmlaboda]

A shot of a NP wood boxcar from the 28700-series has showed up on eBay so there is another road that used them.

[wazzou]

A shot of a NP wood boxcar from the 28700-series has showed up on eBay so there is another road that used them.

Completely different car than the subject car.  Here is a model of the NP car.

[Dave Schneider]

Completely different car than the subject car.  Here is a model of the NP car.

Bryan,

I never get tired of seeing photos of this great model. Let me know if you have any shells that you are willing to sell.

Best wishes, Dave

[jmlaboda]

I see what you are talking about... my bad...

[garethashenden]

Here is a more complete picture of the prototype. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bmrrhs/12832596913/

[wcfn100]

I didn;t know how far this was going to go so I didn't say anything, but there's one issue that hasn't been brought up. All the Steel Plate end cars that would be used as donors are 'outside sheathed' (for lack of a better term) which means they may be wider than a single (inside) sheathed car like the XM-1.



Jason

[garethashenden]

I didn;t know how far this was going to go so I didn't say anything, but there's one issue that hasn't been brought up. All the Steel Plate end cars that would be used as donors are 'outside sheathed' (for lack of a better term) which means they may be wider than a single (inside) sheathed car like the XM-1.



Jason

I'm increasingly thinking that I should get a drawing of this car. Anyone know where I can get one?