Another when where these in use question!

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

When were these in use?

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/187-812

Also, do anyone know if they are good cars modellwise?

Are carloads included?

Lillen

2

Don’t know when the were first used, but I think the B&P pulled some through town last night.–I could be wrong. (see below)

3

I beleive they date to the 50’s. Loads are included. Not sure if any of that exact car would still be in service other than perhaps with extended sides for coke service.

–Randy

4

I understand they (the N&W) changed the lettering from 17" to 24" around 1951, so they had to exist before that. I think these are the ones that the N&W built in their own shops.

Almost every advertisement for them I have seen says “w/load” or “w/removable load”.

They make me want to model the N&W, but one would need hundreds of them.

EDIT: Found some more information - they were built from 1948 until 1956.

5

Perfect since I’m doing the 50’s! I was thinking of oredering 24 of them. They are very nice and would look great. Do any of you have any experience with BLI rolling stock? My F7 is astounding so I would guess that these are of the same high quality.

Lillen

6

Unfortunately, my only experience is with the stock cars (with sound). I think they really look great and have operated almost without fault (some issues with short circuits but that can be attributed to the sound wiring). They came with read Kadee couplers. The hoppers certainly look great.

I actually just bought my first set of BLI F7s about a month ago, and am not impressed. If I hadn’t gotten them so cheap I would even be disappointed.

7

Lillen

My two experiences with BLI rolling stock (‘talking’ stock-cars, express reefers) has been quite good. They are well weighted, roll well, and nicely detailed. I’d think you’d be quite happy with the hopper cars. They certainly LOOK good!

Tom

8

Out of 24 hopper cars, one had one shorted wheel set - and BLI took car of it. The axle length is even shorter than P2K’s.

9

Those style hoppers were used from the lates 40s to early 70s. If there are any still in use they would most likely be built with coke service extensions and used at a coal mine or a steel mill with coke ovens. No clue on if the loads are included but you can probably get the loads from Chooch.

10

Having purchased 36 of these I started to wonder one thing. How many would a typical consist be made up of? I am strongly considering getting an other 36 to make 72 of them.

Lillen