Ready to Roll Athearn 40’ Box car athearn part number 70161 or 70162 are appropriate for running in the 1950’s???I’ve got a pair of Santa Fe F7’s in need of something to pull.Its either the above box cars or Athearn kit# 5017.I know the 5017 is the right era,but after converting to kadees I dont know if its worth the work to save a few bucks per car?I’m getting 10 to 15 of whatever I decide on.I will not go over $10 per car.Help me decide.The F7’s are in the freight scheme,someone called it the cat wisker and someone else the cigar band??I like it what ever you call it.What should I get to pull behind it??Thanks guys
Yes — from First Hobby: Era: 1940s-1990s.
http://www.firsthobby.com/store1/Product.asp?ProductID=ATH70161&SN=2006032909214094
FirstHobby.com has time eras for many of their engines and rolling stock. It is a great resource.
Hope that helps.
Glen thanks for the info,its nice that First Hobby lists the era,all the stores should do this.
I was really wishing for more of a response than one post?Did I ask something wrong or was it too “newbie” of a question?I’ve been off work with a bad disc in my back and I’ve been watching this forum ALOT and find the people on it VERY knowledgeable and kind.If asking for advice on a freight car purchase is inappropriate,someone let me know .I’m new to this forum and I dont want to offend anyone with stupid questions.Then again it just may be the Vicodine speaking for me!! HA,HA,HA. I’m finally making progress on my dream layout, a shelf that extends around the perimentor of the second story of my house.I will probably be asking some questions on and off for the next few years.Happy Modelling everyone.
Yes, the 40 Boxes are correct for that time frame. I just bought a book at Borders called Freight Cars. It has lots of info and pictures. PFE type reefers are correct also, and SF did get some of it’s own to compete with PFE. 40 foot gondolas, open and covered hoppers, livestock cars, single dome riveted tank cars, and of course the caboose. Pretty much anything with the friction bearing. Also, there were lots of composite (wood and steel constructed) cars left over from WWII when the USRA was running the railroads. You have lots to choose from, and Welcome!![:D]
Maybe this helps:
http://steamfreightcars.com/gallery/shot%20of%20mo/feb02/shotofmofeb02.html
But Tim, don’t be surprised if sooner or later you’d rather pay $25 for one Kadee 40’ boxcar (on eBay or so) than for 2 Athearn cars. The feel, the detail, the way they trundle over the track, it’s incomparable. 15 boxcars is still a short freight train, for the same $$$ you’d get like 6 very beautiful top-rated freight cars instead of a string of toy trains. But that’s just my 2 cts. For instance, I was cheap on my Intermountain Erie F3’s, now going through all kinds of hassle to make them look better while I could’ve gone the best (Athearn Genesis) route at the outset…
Walthers Trainline makes a 40’ Santa Fe box that would work RTR.Are they nice??I cant find anyone who list them except Walthers,does anyone else sell them?