Need help in locating an Athearn kit #5538 MRL box car.
If someone happens to find one or has one to sell please let me know.
Thanks,
Mark
I cant believe its so hard to find this kit. Athearn was no help, been searching the web and sent many e-mails out to hobby shops in Model Railroader. Hopefully will find one soon. Someone has to have one. 
Thanks to anyone who happens to run across one somewhere.
Mark
http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=5538
ATH5538
Searching Products for “ATH5538” found 1 result:
HO KIT MONTANA RAIL LINK ACF OUTSIDE BRACED RAILBOX :
Strasburg Train Shop
Located next to the Choo Choo Barn, in the Shops Of Traintown
Route 741 East, Box 130
Strasburg, PA 17579
(717) 687-0464 -or- (800) 450-2920
Fax: (717) 687-6529
Email: stsinfo@choochoobarn.com
Copyright ©2006, Choo Choo Barn, Inc. All rights reserved.
We are not responsible for errors or out-of-stock conditions on any product on this page.
Your comments and questions are always welcome!
This site did not specifially say that this item was out of stock like the others in a general search online.
The next alternative is to visit big hobby shops like Caboose Hobbies, MB Kliens, and such and contact them one by one either by phone or email and ask about this kit.
Another alternative and rather tedious is to get the latest issue of MR that contains a hobby shop directory and start with the one and work to the end, asking each store if they have the item.
The first store that says yes, ask if they will ship it to you.
Searching for something oop is very difficult but requires a stout heart and some patience.
Good luck!
Would you consider it bragging if I told you I have 2 of them with different road numbers? They are still in kit form…
Don Z.
I hope that you find one soon and reasonably priced.
Don Z
Your lucky you have 2 kits. I am having a hard time finding just one kit.
No one seems to have any in stock anymore.
Mark
I have one that I assembled I would be willing to sell. I store it in its original box and I am even willing to take it apart and put it back in kit form for you if you wish.
Interested?
James
Try ebay?
Item number: 130166307076
I found one tonight. I want to thank to all that replied to my post.
thanks to you to Master Of Big Sky Blue, I already have commited myself to the purchase or I would take you up on your offer.
thanks again,
Mark
No Problem Mark, My interests have shifted from a late 1980s-1990s layout to a more Late 1940s setting. (I thought about doing the 1930s but thats a venue where to many have gone before I think) As such I need to figure out what to do with all of my modern stuff. Because Its probably going to be spending most of its time in a box.
James
Nevermind… I could’t see the other posts, stupid Internet lag.
James,
I sent you a PM. I’m interested.
James, I’m sure some of us would be interested in buy some of your modern equipment to make room for your steam equipment.[:-^]
James,
Do you have any other Athearn Montana Rail Link items? Any 3 bay hoppers by chance?
Mark
Hi Mark,
The only other Montana Rail Link Item I have is the Athearn Special Edition SD45 &SD40-2 set. It is not for sale. Matter of fact after I offered you the box car I immediatly began feeling separation anxiety and with your decline of my offer took it off the market. What Im going to do with All my Modern equipment I do not know at this time. But it is clear that I am to emotionaly connected with it to part with it.
James.
Athearn has some great looking hoppers in MRL out right now from their RTR Line. Check them out.
I will check out the rtr hoppers, I have seen photos of them, they look nice.
James, I know how you feel. I am also very attached to my collection dating back some to 30 years when I was young. I could never let go of what I have collected.
I hope to find some things in the next local train show here in the new year.
I model the BN and earlier(GN, NP, CB&Q, SP&S) also but wanted to add a couple of MRL to my fleet. Since now I found the 50’ Railbox MRL boxcar and I also have a very nice MRL Atlas caboose. And maybe add a hopper alos down the line.
Mark