Before
After
Wow, nice work! What brand is the gondola? - Peter
Oops! Guess i should have posted a little more info! It is made by LGB i dont know the model number off hand but ill try and find the box when i get home from work later. All the paint i used was floquil. Boxcar red for exterior wood, oxide red for metal parts and wood for interior wood and engine black for the underframe & pipes. Trucks are USA Trains bettendorf type. thats all i can think of… Oh yea decals were from microscale leftovers from flatcar & stockcar sets 
Very interesting. I would never have thought about taking a conversion in that direction. I’ve (the wife) been contemplating doing it just backwards. If I can find your starting point, maybe I can just purchase my (her) desired end product. I was unaware that D&RGW observation cars were available. Thanks for the heads up.
LGB 30260 - there is also a red South Park version no clue on the number for that one. Also on my “before” version i painted the roof support poles black (there brass) and added the LGB marker lights too