The first railwire inspired kit, PRR/PC/CR/LV X58?

[bsoplinger]

Got an email reply back from Dick at Fine Scale Models and he is definitely interested in making this model...

He really doesn't want to make the model with add on ladders. "If it works for MT it works for me."

And in general I agree with him, but ...

I do think the separate ladders really does improve the look of a car. And that removing ladders from the end ribs is a complete PIA.

Removing the grabs from the side to replace with the BLMA type C ladder grabs is much easier.

So right now he's leaning toward making a X58 style, ala full height ladders and roofwalk and a X58E style, ala half height ladders and no roofwalk.

What do you folks think?

Next item is that he's in need of something with dimensions, ie a drawing of the X58. I started another topic specifically asking if the RMC listed on the PRR railfan site has a drawing or if its just pictures.

I did try the PA state archive search tool listed in this thread, but it lists tons of drawings and I don't know enough about the descriptions listed to figure out if any of them is actually usable. And at 15 (for state residents) and 25 (anyone else) a pop I'm not too inclined to blindly try a bunch.

It lists things like "SIDE ARRANGEMENT" or "PLUG DOOR ARRANGEMENT" or "END ARRANGEMENT" or "SIX POSITION SIDE FILLERSARRANGEMENT" or "UNCOUPLING DEVICEAPPLICATION"

[daniel_leavitt2000]

There is an X58 boxcar sitting at the Danbury Train Museum in Danbury CT. Its a 4 hour drive for me... anyone closer?

[Dave V]

I'm onboard!

I was not really thinking X58 because it's outside my era (1956).  But my father just picked me up a cabin from Jerry at Timonium.  It was in the post-1960 plain keystone scheme.  Well, I know I could repaint it back to an earlier scheme, but I've kind of had my eye on those Atlas Alco Centuries and the GP30 in PRR...  This cabin is an excuse to maybe...

...e x p a n d   m y   e r a!

Can I do that?  I would go from 1956 only to maybe 1956-1967 (the end of Pennsy, unless you count that one depressing month in 1968 before the merger).

As tempted as I am to run late PC/early Conrail, that would make it harder on my scenery and structures, much of which is really 1950's focused.  I could stretch to the 60s, but by PC many of the PRR structures were painted green.  Many of the vehicles and the signs on my layout also wouldn't work for the 70s.

So bring on the X58s!  I like Fine N scale; they do great work!  The owner's a real nice guy too.