These 500 cars were built by on-line customer, Pullman in 1928. The Frisco rebuilt them circa 1936 with "panel" sides. After rebuilding the tonnage capacity remained the same at 55 tons, but the cars' volume increased from 1880 cu ft to 1974 cu ft The 90000-92899 cars which were built between 1948 and 1957 made these cars obsolete. Half of the 88528 remains in 1974 and serves as a scrap bin at the West Shops in Springfield
Any 1940s (maybe even the 1950s too) Frisco modelers should take a look at the panel side hoppers from Accurail. They don't have the detail of a Kadee car but they are pretty good. To me they look very close to the prototype. The best thing about these hoppers (besides the price, about $10) is that Accurail will sell you an additional decal sheet ($3, I think) so you can renumber 12 additional cars. The decal sheet is well done with white RR Roman numbers on a black background that precisely matches the colors of the car. I have renumbered 4 already and the decal film is thin enough to blend in with the car. I added some light weathering and these cars look great. They are currently in dedicated service at Griesemer Stone Co. in Springfield hauling chat for the Frisco and providing aggregate for concrete companies along the Northern Division. Ship IT On The Frisco! Rick McClellan
I agree totally with Rick - the Accurail "renumbering" decals work very well. I was a doubter at first, but after having used three sets (different colors), I'm a believer! They work OK unweathered or retouched, but if you put a thin coat of Poly-Scale flat on the new number with a microbrush, they blend right in to the background. Ken
I have collected 4 or 5 of these (Accurail HO) now and will be trying my hand at renumbering with the Accurail decal set. Anyone have tips for the removal of the existing numbering? Any other advice? Thanks in advance, -Bob T.
I don't remember seeing this thread when it was originally posted, but that is another detail gem you posted Karl. Since I am in n-scale, it makes me want to buy a second one of the micro-trains version of these cars and cut it in half to use as a dumpster somewhere on the layout. Paul
I happened across the Accurail model for these (HO Scale) today on Train Liquidators (.com). They have them for $5.39 each (plus shipping). Seemed like a good deal if you are in the market for a few. Link to Product Here I have been watching ebay and grabbed 4 or 5 that I managed to decal with the renumbering set from Accurail. Never saw this good of a price.
