Making Up an Executive Passenger Train for 1971?

[jnevis]

While not exactly "Executive" there were quite a few specialized trains running around, up through the 70's.  The American Freedom train and it's predecesor Preamble Express come to mind.  Even those cars came from promotional trains bought specifically by non-railroads (Permacel) for marketing and run on the end of named trains.
http://freedomtrain.org/preamble-express-consist-cars.htm

[CBQ Fan]

I think any steel cars that would have been in regular service would be fair game for your business train!!!  Go for it!

[Wardie]

The Maine Central had by the 70's put together a business train of three cars that was a mix of heavyweight and lightweight cars. And frequently used it for seasonal inspections of the railroad. It even maintained one GP-7 with a steam generator in it until the 80's.

[jmlaboda]

The MEC, in the 70s, modernized a heavyweight baggage - coach to a steam generator car, which was used in conjunction with its business car for executive service.  Not long before Guiiford acquired the line they added a former Amtrak, nee-Atlantic Coast Line coach to the consist, though I do not know what its configuration was.  Both heavyweight cars were set aside when Guilford acquired the line and placed in indoor storage.  The last I heard (a couple of years ago) the cars were for sale but I do not know if anyone has acquired them.

MEC 322 Mod. HW steam generator - coach
http://rrpicturearchives.net/rspicture.aspx?id=183798

MEC 333 business car
http://rrpicturearchives.net/rspicture.aspx?id=692690

The Richmond Fredricksburg & Potomac took a heavyweight coach, numbered 20 (ex-201, exx-531, nee-92), and rebuilt it as a generator - kitchen - crew car, for use with their modernized heavyweight business car, named ONE.  On occasion their HW Safety Meeting - Classroom car #28, was also used...

http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=566713
http://rrpicturearchives.net/rspicture.aspx?id=278627
http://rrpicturearchives.net/rsPicture.aspx?id=176406

As for a prototype shortline that you could emulate consider the Aberdeen Carolina & Western.  The owner is a railfan and has a strong affinity for passenger equipment.  He has gathered together four business cars (the latest being Green Bay & Western 600), diners (including a former PRR Budd twin-unit diner and a former Pullman restaurant - parlor, a couple coaches and even a couple of dome cars.  Only one of his cars, the former Burlington dome - coach Silver Brand, saw use on Amtrak.  His collection (which includes RF&P 28, mentioned above) can be seen at the link below:
http://passcarphotos.info/Indices/A1.htm

Its worth noting that the ACWR acquired some of the cars for use on a dinner train that it ran for a time, which could be something to consider as an alternative to an executive train.  After the dinner train shut down the owner has ran a couple of specials using the cars that he has and the line is currently working on a new railcar facility that will specialize in the repair and restoration of passenger cars.  This, I believe, is being done to help fill the gap that has been left by the Lancaster & Chester ending such services on their line with the line being acquired last year by Gulf & Ohio.  It is something to consider for any shortline and could help to justify the occasional passenger car being staged, either heading too or coming from such a car shop.

[Kisatchie]

Well, I won a Micro-Trains observation car (painted but undecorated) on eBay. Should have it by the time I get home from Dallas. Does anyone know exactly which heavyweight body styles Micro-Trains has made so far?

I know the following are available:

observation car
12-1 pullman (?)
28-1 parlor (?)
10-1-2 pullman (?)
coach
diner
RPO car

Anything I missed? Or listed wrong?

(I'm glad Dee is back home and can't insult me today).

[Wardie]

 The coach, 390, was the lightweight car I was thinking of, thanks.