freight cars – Notes on Designing, Building, and Operating Model Railroads

Special runs – L&N ventilated box car

As I’m focused on modeling the Twenties, I keep an eye open for special run models that may fit my time frame. The recent Norfolk & Western box car produced for the N&WHS is an example. Sometimes an email arrives with a prototype question as a project comes together.

Rapido Trains X23 box cars and R7 reefers

Rapido Trains recently released a couple of HO scale freight cars that fit right into my 1926 modeling focus. These models reflect Pennsylvania Railroad prototypes built in the Teens.

Door details

*AC&F builder image from the Westerfield Models collection*

I’ve had a Funaro & Camerlengo HO scale Illinois Central automobile box car on the workbench for too many weeks. Over the last couple of days, I tackled some of the final details.

Being picky

*Photo from the Westerfield Models AC&F builder photo collection*

As I started an HO scale resin freight car kit, I noticed something odd about the grab irons. The drop portion of the grab iron wasn’t at a right angle to the legs of the wire detail part. When I look at a prototype photo like the one above. I see drop grab irons at right angles.

Online model displays

*Malcolm Houck displays his HO scale scratchbuilt NYO&W steam locos at the 2023 Northeast RPM.*

One of my favorite parts of a Railroad Prototype Modeler meet (RPM) is the model display room. I find great inspiration among the tables of models and always bring home new ideas that move projects on my workbench.