I am wanting to add a business car to my layout and my question is this. Do they differ in external appearance from a typical passenger car? Since my layout is set in the 30’s I’m thinking about just grabbing one of Walthers Heavyweight undercorated Observation Cars, and giving it a flashy paint scheme. Thanks for the help.
jguess733, yes most business cars were observation cars. and yes a heavyweight would be right for the 30’s.
Jason
great idea. I have my grain car company but no business car. Cool.
Great winter project.
An observation would work just fine. A lounge-observation better. The only real difference would be the floor plan on the inside, hence the window arrangment. In addition to the normal sleeper and lounge area, a business car usually has its own galley, dining room, and an office. This would alter the outside window arrangement appropriately.
Quick answer, use a heavyweight observation car. If you wanted to get picky, you’d have to alter the window arrangement.
Nick
What a great idea, most railways had business cars but theses were indistinguishable from regular passenger coaches, did large corporations who owned business cars paint them in the colors of the company?? I’ve never seen a private non railway business coach, does anyone have a photo of one???
Barnum and Bailry Circus had flashy paint schemes on their cars, railroads were a little more conservative. The heavy weight observation would probably blend in with the balance of the passenger equipment, Pullman green, Pennsy Tuscan, New York Central gray, etc. unless the Prsident of the road wears a big red nose and matching baggy pants and oversized shoes.
Still a good project, and could be very challenging to execute correctly (thinking of the interior layout and necessary changes in the window configuration).
Will
I use a Kato B&O Business car and I have a Walthers heavyweight Observation. Between these two that is plenty.
I don’t think (opinion here) it was too common for private companies other than railroads to have business cars. Private cars for very wealthy individuals - yes but not business cars. there is a distinction.
What railroad do you model?