Hi I would like to find 2-4 oldtime passenger cars. I’m also on the lookout for a suitable engine.(4-4-0???) Preferably B&O but it is not a must. DCC or plug is a must though. HO.
The problem is I haven’t a clue what the passenger cars where called then so I don’t know what to look for. I wan’t to run it on my kids layout and also on my own as a tourist train/pr train.
Thanks Magnus
Magnus–
MDC/Roundhouse puts out a very nice set of 1880’s passenger cars distributed through Horizon Hobbies (Athearn). I believe they come 4 to a pack, consisting of baggage, baggage mail, coach and ‘business’ car. I don’t know if they’re available decorated for B&O,but there might be a possibility. The ones I’ve seen at my LHS here in California are generally for western railroad lines (ATSF, Rio Grande, Virginia & Truckee, etc.) but I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re not also available for Eastern railroads.
They’re very handsome cars–50 footers–and look very nice.
Roundhouse has also released a 4-4-0 “American” type locomotive that is DCC ready and appears to be more from the 1890-early 20th century period, but it could probably be back-dated to the 1880’s with little trouble. I’ve heard nice things about it.
Bachmann Spectrum has also announced a 4-4-0, but their version looks more like a 1900-1920 era locomotive to me. However, it’s very handsome, at least from the photos I’ve seen.
Tom
Cars: Wood construction. 'Caboose type pot belly stove chimneys, celestory roofs. Engines: 4-4-0, 4-6-0, common.
Watch for MDC / Roundhouse products:
http://www.roundhousetrains.com/Products/RollingStock/Default.aspx
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/category_s/399.htm
MB Klein has 4-4-0 with DCC/sound for about $158.00. They do not look as good as the Spectrum but the Spectrum does not have sound. I bought my B&O from Klein back in Dec 2006. I run it using the NCE Power Cab and I was able to fine tune the CVs with no problems. It has a MRC decoder which some people do not like.
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/category_s/401.htm
They have a series of new coaches also for $14.00.
If you do some searching on Google or Yahoo you will find other sources also but realize you do not have to pay full retail if you do not want to.
rich
They were called Overton passenger cars. The MDC set is the only HO one I am aware of. These are very short cars and I’m not sure if there was a prototype in that length or not. Bachmann used to sell a set of longer Overtons but I haven’t seen those in a long time. They were low end.
The 34’ cars are called Overton. the 50’ cars are called Overland. MDC makes them in B&O. As for which looks better the Bachman or MDC–well the MDC is 1880’s and the Bachman is 1920’s. I happen to like the 1880’s version better.
Check my link. These are newly released 50ft truss rod cars. The older Overton are still available. I see them on eBay quite a lot. I do not know if any online stores are carrying the Overton’s anymore. There are some nice 48 foot old time models on eBay also.
rich
If you want some really good looking authentic cars check out the La Belle site for their line of wooden kits. Nothing looks like wood but wood. I built dozens of them first in H O but now in O Scale. The first car may be tricky but from then on you will get the hang of them. The new owners are great to deal with.
Years ago, Rivarossi made an 1880s 4-4-0 and passenger cars, sold by AHM.
IHC may still make the above locos and cars.
Bachmann makes a similar 4-4-0 and cars in their Standard line.
Bachmann also makes a newer 4-4-0 in their Spectrum line. It is slightly more modern than 1880…say 1895. If you move yor date up a few years you could use it.
Roundhouse makes a 4-4-0, Overland passenger cars, and the Overtons. They also made a line of 48’ cars with duckbill roofs, but these are not in production right now.
I would go with the Bachmann Spectrum 4-4-0 and Overland cars.
Roundhouse ran the Overland cars in B&O last summer; they did the Overton cars in B&O about 2 years ago. They are all out of production.
The Overton cars ( the coach and combine, IIRC) are based on Sierra RR cars built for the Angels Branch. The baggage and observation are fictional.
Bill summed up the situation pretty well.
Based on IHC’s web site it appears as though their old timer 4-4-0s are all out of production. In addition to the 4-4-0s, Roundhouse will have a high driver B&O 2-6-0 available in a couple months. Bachmann will have two different B&O paint schemes for their standard line “golden spike” 4-4-0s (one is available now and a blue one is scheduled for sometime this year).
Whether by intent or accident the MDC Overton baggage car is very close to an Express and Mail car currently at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.
Model Power Mantua make 1880’s passenger cars, and they come in B&O at least here on the east coast. here is a link to on-line (and LHS) retailer:
Wholesale Trains, Cars, Boats and Airplanes - Custom Built Hobby, Parts, Peripherals, Services
That link should link you directly to the single car listing. They also have a 4 pack, hunt and search the site. Go to search enter “B&O” and select HO click “search” you will get many pages of many brands of B&O stuff, including the mentioned Roundhouses.
Hope this is helpful.
Hi Magnus
I have done busines with Caboose Hobies also. They have the Roundhouse/Model Die Casting 4-4-0 with DCC/sound for about $152.
They have the 34 foot Overton passenger cars for $13 ea or $50 for a set of four.
When you go to Caboose Hobbies look under Model Die Casting not Roundhouse. Very good prices.
They have B&O also. I have the B&O #875 4-4-0. For relatively low cost, they are nice. I know your kids will like the set.
rich
Thank you guys for your advice. I will probably order some next week when I get will order some track and other stuff. They look great.
Thanks, Lillen
Whats the quality on the roundhouse items? If you would compare the cars to say walthers heavyweights and the loco to bachmann?
Lillen
The prototype for the Roundhouse “Overton” Cars ran on the Sierra Railroad’s Angel’s Camp Branch. They still exist. There was a coach and a combination, no baggage or observation though.
The Roundhouse 4-4-0 has DCC & sound. The Spectrum 4-4-0 has DCC only, no sound though the tender has a speaker hole. The Spectrum 4-4-0 has excellent detail compared to the Roundhouse 4-4-0. Roundhouse is coming out with a 2-6-0 with DCC & sound, essentially the same era sometime in the next month or two. The Roundhouse sound includes, different whistles, bells, shoveling coal, firebox door sounds, all aboard voice, brake squeal, coupler clang, air release etc. All tunable. Great for kids of all ages.
I have both engines. I converted my Spectrum to sound.
I doubt heavyweight passenger cars existed in the 1880s. Roundhouse has new 50 foot truss rod Overland cars.
My mistake. Roundhouse has discontinued the 34 foot Overton cars according to their web site. Cabbose Hobbies does not have them in stock. If you search the 'Net for these cars you will no doubt find some nice photos and maybe a supplier of the Overton. If you like to gamble, you can try eBay.
rich
Thanks richg1998, I think I didn’t make my self clear. I meant how is the quality on the overland cars from roundhouse. Heayweights as you say didn’t exist back then. I think they are a 1920’s construction. I was more looking for a comparison in quality in both detailing and rolling characterstics compared to the only passenger cars I have. Sorry. I should have made that more clear.
Magnus
Guess I’m going to find out about the quality my self. I ordered a set of B&O overlands. Since they are discontinued at the manufacturer I thought I better buy them before they go away. Sp I have one more question. Whay couplers do they come with? I just assumed they came with non-horn hook couplers.
Lillen
Hi Magnus
I can only comment on what I saw on the roundhouse site.
Go to roundhousetrains.com and click on Rolling Stock. They describe what you will get with the Overland. Some modelers I spoke to say the cars will be very nice. Also they cost less at Caboose Hobbies. Most of the stuff you see at Walther’s is available for less at other on line stores. I use Caboose Hobbies, Toms Train, Micro Mark, MB Klein, Peach Creek Shops, Blue Ridge Hobby Supply. No doubt there are others with competitive prices and service. Since I belong to a local model railroad club, and a LHS gives us 15% discount.
I know I annoy people with this, but search the 'Net for what you are interested in. Much of the time you will find the answer and many times forums of interest.
rich
The Roundhouse site says magnetically operated couplers only.
I see Roundhouse is discontinuing some of the Overland. Some of these manufacturers can be difficult to keep up with. These are what were released, 2-14-2007. B&M, CP, C&NW, GN, NYC ,SP. Roundhouse says they cover 1880 to 1930.
rich