Since Mike Corley asked about my passenger train modeling, here is my typical consist of The Sunnyland into Birmingham about 1950. I have not included the Pullman sleeper. For some of the cars, I included both sides to show differences. I have also included my business car #4. It appears that I will need to send the attached photos in two sections for them to go through. Enjoy. Ken McElreath
Superb modeling, Ken; many thanks for sharing. Until now I've relied photocopies of an old FMIG newsletter with some of your passenger car modeling work for my HWT pax car modeling info. This already is serving as inspiration to get moving on my stalled 700-series coach. Thanks again,
Terrific models Ken! Especially 1213--the tinted windows are very cool! Also the interiors of the head end cars are great. What kits/core kits/kit bashes do those cars come from? Cheers, Tom
The Frisco baggage cars, coach 1213 and RPO-baggage are kitbashed Walthers. The CofG baggage car is a spliced Athearn, and the business car is from an AHM basic observation. Coach 1068 has spliced Athearn coach sides (exactly correct for window spacing) with Walthers ends, floor and roof. Ken McElreath
The harsh flashbulb lighting makes the cars look weird and stark, in my opinion. They look much better on the layout. The old Walthers kits are great to work with if you can find them, and I often do find them in hobby shops or meets. The tinplate sides can be cut up and reassembled in many ways. I actually solder (very carefully) the ends to the sides for a neat assembly. Ken McElreath
Walthers hmmm--Aren't those some of the cars that were in your FMIG articles?--They look worlds better in color! I remember you also did that baggage car the Frisco converted from a Pullman--#446. Really nice stuff! I'm in N scale, but those cars in that article inspired me to quit whining (about there never being any decent Frisco passenger cars) and scratch or kit-bash some of my own. I'm going to work this afternoon on my #1213! Tom
Would the following consist be appropriate for a 1965ish Sunnyland? RPO/Express (modified Athearn) 2 to 3 Baggage Cars (Athearn) 1 or 2 Paired window coaches (Walthers) I know the Athearn aren't "correct", but they are what I have right now. As an "All Athearn" consist: RPO/Baggage 3 to 3 Baggage Cars 1 Coach 1 Lwt Coach (Sleeper) Thoughts or suggestions? Glenn in Tulsa
The lt weight car would be a-typical for 107/108. The last car of the train was usually one of the hvy wt chair buffets.
Ken, I enjoyed many of your passenger article in the old FMIG newsletter. I also recall seeing the photo's of these cars and it very nice to finally see them in color. Very nice work. Brad
