2015 Layout Freight Car Updates

In 2015, I managed to finish nine cars for the layout. Most of them are pictured here with an overview of what was done.

ATSF 520529 modeled from Moloco factory-painted ATSF Topeka built BX-97 boxcar. Removed roof from car and replaced with new replacement roof from Moloco, with roofwalk support parts from Tangent Scale Models (from PRR X58 parts) and wire corner grabiron. Lowered ladders. Tangent Scale Models code 88 wheels. Decals from ICG Decals, Microscale, and CBQ Historical Society. Weathered from a prototype photo to represent the car as it appeared in 1973.


NYC 78988 modeled from Moloco factory-painted GATC RBL. This is a stock model weathered with oils to match a prototype photo, which retained its original configuration of ladders and roofwalk in 1973. Added code 88 wheelsets. ACI label decals from ICG Decals.



PRR 112210 Sam Rea Shops built X58 with 7-70 reweigh. This is modeled from the Tangent Scale Models factory-painted PRR X58 boxcar. I renumbered the car, changed the build date, and added return route stencils with ICG Decals. I added chalk marks from ICG Decals and Speedwitch Media, ACI labels from Microscale. The car was fitted with Tangent Scale Models code 88 wheels, and was weathered with artists oils, except the door wear was added to the side posts with acrylic paints, a technique kindly recommended by Jeff Meyer.


UP 126291 is a Kadee PS1 in original paint, with chalk marks and restencils applied, weathered with oils and Tahoe Model Works trucks, and Tangent Scale Models code 88 wheelsets.




GATX 52444 Tangent Scale Models 6000 Gallon 3-compartment tank car, modeled to represent a 1968 repaint in 1973. Tangent factory paint, Tangent code 88 wheels, weathered with oils.


MILW 18685 is an Exactrail "early ribside" factory painted in original MILW paint, but restenciled and detailed for 1973. Model includes trucks from Tahoe Model Works, code 88 wheels from Tangent Scale Models, "plate" ACI labels from Tangent Scale Models, and rubber air hoses from Moloco.




MILW 51580 and 51588 were part of a very large and relevant series of MILW boxcars built by ACF in 1957, although this scheme with the DF2 loaders is rare. This car started life as an Atlas RTR Master series car, formerly Branchline Trains tooling. I removed the running board and filled the holes in the roof, then repainted it. I removed the factory skirt from the side because it was not deep enough, and added a new styrene skirt. Then painted it to match the Atlas factory paint. Then I removed the incorrect Atlas doors and added correct Kadee 9' doors, painted them, and added the mostly-correct DF lettering. I added underbody detail, lowered the ladders on the A end, added B end roof grabirons, and added A-Line stirrup steps. I added Moloco rubber air hoses and scale head short shank Kadee couplers. Finally, reweighs, ACI labels, end reporting marks and numbers, and chalk marks were added. Trucks are Exactrail Barbers which are correct for these cars, with 33" semi-scale wheels from Tangent Scale Models.

My next post will include an update on where I stand with the layout and my goals for 2016.