I need a nice car to match my Rivarossi Challenger for display!!! :D

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello all! I have been into trains since I was about 5, but I’m almost 19 now and have never been able to build a layout. Well, lucky enough for me, my future father-in-law is into trains and gave me a Rivarossi Challenger for Christmas!!! I couldn’t believe it!!! He also has a big boy and we are hopefully soon going to start building a layout in his garage. Anyways, I want to display this train (by all means a BEAUTIFUL model) while it’s not being run and is at my house. I would like to get an observation or a caboose to go with the model while it’s on display, just for the looks. I’m looking at an observation on ebay right now, but I’m afraid that it’s 12" length and the Challengers 16" length are going to proove too much for a display box and a caboose would be more appropriate. I was wondering if anyone knew where I can get a nice, accurately detailed caboose or observation to match the Challenger? I have #3985 which, to my knowledge, is the one UP still uses for Excursions, so I’m thinking that with that, plus the fact this is just for looks, maybe a more “modern” type passenger or caboose would look good. Should I go with a prototypical outlook, which caboose or paint scheme should I choose? Thanks to all in advance for your replies. :smiley:

Brandon <><
www.uncondemned.com

2

I would go for a caboose, oxide red, don’t draw the attention to much from the engine,
In my own display I put a Busch Chevy 50 in UP colors next to it, to create some reference to the real size of the locomotive

3

I know that UP was running excursions with a ‘Northern’ 4-8-4 providing the power. If space is the primary consideration, the caboose wins. But if you had a longer shelf or at least a table surface, consider a dome-observation. Rivarossi offers one. [:D]

4

This is from the UP website: “The Challengers were designed for fast freight service, but occasionally pulled passenger trains.” You can read it here: http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/excurs/up3985.shtml. Thanks for your replies. :slight_smile: Does anyone have any suggestions for a well-detailed caboose? What paint scheme would be prototypically correct for the era of this locomotive for either the caboose or the car? I might look into a dome observation. I’ve always liked 'em… hehe. Again, thanks for your replies. :slight_smile:

Brandon <><

5

This is the best assembled rtr UP caboose you will find.
http://www.intermountain-railway.com/
http://www.intermountain-railway.com/newsccs1065-01.htm
The paint scheme is a bit modern for the steam era.

The Trix caboose is appropriate and also an excellent model.
http://www.trixtrains.com/american_freight2.html#caboose

And the Trix UP box cars are very good too, but maybe not as good as thier price suggests (they are too expensive).

Brandon, you may want to look at the material Mike Brock has authored. He is also a member of the steamloco list on Yahoo! e-groups. He has an incredible layout based on Sherman Hill.