What alternatives exist for passenger core kits?

[jmlaboda]

The body sprue is the roof, ends and underframe.

[hnipper]

Does anyone have any ideas about core kit supply? 
Thanks,
Henry

[bbussey]

Donor Kato and Walthers cars.

[nickelplate759]

Does anyone have any ideas about core kit supply? 
Thanks,
Henry

American Limited Models (now part of San Juan Car Co.  (http://www.sanjuancarco.com/ ) will sell you core kits if you order direct - I sent an e-mail and got some a year or two ago (see my earlier post). These are the old American Limited cores,  but without the detail sprues - cores ONLY.  You get roof, ends, and floor without details.

So - you need all the details somehow.    Perhaps someone could make designs to 3D print them?

[peteski]

So - you need all the details somehow.    Perhaps someone could make designs to 3D print them?

That sounds like a perfect job for @Lemosteam !  Our resident 3D superhero! Probably the best way to do this would be to have someone let him borrow a complete core kit (with all its bits). That way he can personally measure everything to make sure the parts will have perfect fit.

[thomasjmdavis]

The hard parts are the generators and brake detail.  Once upon a time, a couple companies were casting those parts- and those occasionally show up on the big online auction site.  Most of the boxes could be made up out of styrene.  Another possibility would be to pick up an ALM detail sprue to use as a pattern (also occasionally show up on auction), and cast in resin.  Depending on what car you are doing, using underbody parts for heavyweights (several makers on shapeways) may also work, plus take a look at Keystone details rooftop vents and such- he has several styles available.

I also bought some of the roof-end-floor sprues from San Juan.  Just send them an email.

[Jim Costello]

I have had the same issue with car core kits, wanting about 15 sets. Managed to find two detail sprues  with enough detail parts to do two underframes to fit some of ESM  New Haven passenger sides and have had them cast in resin. Also did the roof,ends etc to finish the cars.
All I need now is time to work on them.

Jim
Modelling the NH down under

[OldEastRR]

Donor Kato and Walthers cars.

The KATO passenger cars aren't all the same length when comparing prototype car designs.  For my ESM car sides the PRR "Rapids" sleeper was the exact match, but the UP COLA sleepers weren't the same size. Even a lot of the underbody equipment for the NH car was on the KATO one, only in different arrangements. I'd think one could remove the KATO parts and rearrange them. Another good thing was the KATO's Pullman roof, which has those ribs along it that you can't duplicate with a plain kit roof.
A plus for using such cars is you get an interior, which the car core kits did not provide.

[Lemosteam]

That sounds like a perfect job for @Lemosteam !  Our resident 3D superhero! Probably the best way to do this would be to have someone let him borrow a complete core kit (with all its bits). That way he can personally measure everything to make sure the parts will have perfect fit.

Yes that would work, but what are different here than what I just released in my pullman kits?

Anybody have picture of the detail kit or a link to it?

[thomasjmdavis]

John,
Not exactly what you asked for, but here is a post by Bob Bufkin with links to photos of the ALM instruction sheets.  The bottom of Page 1, and Page 2 show the various tanks, brake parts, AC and some of the other parts included.  Also included were boxes to use with the various AC and battery box fronts.

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=41393.msg516373#msg516373

[hnipper]

American Limited Models (now part of San Juan Car Co.  (http://www.sanjuancarco.com/ ) will sell you core kits if you order direct - I sent an e-mail and got some a year or two ago (see my earlier post). These are the old American Limited cores,  but without the detail sprues - cores ONLY.  You get roof, ends, and floor without details.

So - you need all the details somehow.    Perhaps someone could make designs to 3D print them?

George, Saw your earlier post and I emailed them, but haven't heard back yet. Perhaps a long weekend.....
Hoping for the best.
Thanks,
Henry

[GhengisKong]

George, Saw your earlier post and I emailed them, but haven't heard back yet. Perhaps a long weekend.....
Hoping for the best.
Thanks,
Henry

I heard back from them with an invoice within three days after placing the email order. This was last month as well.

[EspeeGoldenState]

I realize this is an older thread, but has anyone been able to order from them? I’m looking for roughly 10 of the basic core kits.

Also do the Kato trucks fit in the floors of the kits decently?

Chris

[glakedylan]

I realize this is an older thread, but has anyone been able to order from them? I’m looking for roughly 10 of the basic core kits.
Chris

i have what i believe to be 4 of these core kits
(black plastic?)
PM me if interested.
thx
Gary

[reinhardtjh]

I realize this is an older thread, but has anyone been able to order from them? I’m looking for roughly 10 of the basic core kits.
Chris

I made an order for 20 back a few years.  I don't know why you can't still order them.  A quick email to the company should tell you what you want to know.

I forgot about the sale of the company.  I would still email Leadville Shops and see what they say.  It is a bit disconcerting that the San Juan site only lists O and On30 products.