If you're not too particular about exact prototype accuracy, there's an HO Rivarossi "Texas Special" set of passenger cars on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DTD-HO-SCAL...015817?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item2c6ad6b089 These cars seem to be closer to Budd prototypes (Rather than Pullman). FYI. Tom PS: Apparently no model manufacturer is ever going to build a really true-to-prototype Texas Special in any scale that's afordable to ordinary people...
Tom, I think this set could probably be made "good enough" for those of us whose budget would be more in line with these prices! Good find. Best Regards,
If we take a good look at the equipment that was purchased by the Katy and Frisco, we see kind of unusal cars. The coaches were 56 seat and the sleepers were 14-4. Not too many other railroads used this type of equipment. The 14-4's were used by KCS, Erie. So to expect a manufacturer to spend the money for the tooling and such may be asking too much. I am not sure just what the run would need to be, but I would assume it to be more that what we would purchase. The calif. Z is a unique train, but there are a lot of WP, DRG and Burlington modelers who have created the need for a second run. Same is true of the El Cap equipment. Question, should we investigate the possiblity of a pre-sold, not cancelable order from one of them??? Tony L.
I just bought one set of those off e-bay. I would buy a nicer set. The IHC/River cars are not that good, but all we have. They do however pass the midnight rule, at the local bar. I got a Firefly and KCS Heavy Weight set also. Bill Jackson
Referencing a previous comment, 14-4 cars were fairly common. In addition to KCS and Erie, they were also purchased by MP. B&O and New Haven. Actually, if you want to phony up a Frisco streamlined train without getting too heavily invested, the best bet is to use 1930-series (smoothside) AHM cars and use P-S fluted sides from Union Station Products. You will need to use a 10-6 sleeper instead of a 14-4, but they are not visually all that different, plus it will be much easier to attach and position the number/name/letterboards. Otherwise, as I mentioned in another thread, you can buy styrene kits from USP that match MKT-SLSF prototype. It will run about $60 per car by the time you detail them out, but you will have an exact match. GS
SOUTHERN had 14-4's as well. Erie did not. The New Haven's were Plan 4159, whereas all the others were variations of Plan 4153. R Bob
Looks like they are all equipped with Kadee couplers, so that's a big plus for them. I outfitted mine with McHenry couplers and added some extra weight, which made a huge difference in their performance. No problems handling hidden 18" curves and they can be pushed through #6 turnouts. Pat Moreland, Union Mo.
I guess now I need some interiors, if anyone has extra let me know. I have some, but probably not enough. What have some of you used for lighting? I would like to light a set or two. Bill Jackson
Bill, If you have trouble finding some interiors, may I recommend Show-Me Lines Trains in Grandview, MO. Give Charlie Post a call at 800-826-6961. I believe he has just about anything you would want.
Keith, I will, without doubt give him a call. I missed my bid on 8 interiors for heavy weight cars on ebay. They went for $ 122.50 which was bid in the last 3 seconds. Thanks Bill Jackson I will end up with some extra cars, not sure which ones yet.
