I purchased today a Bachmann Pickle car and two Vinger cars. I tried looking for Prototype info on these two freight cars with no luck. I mainly need info on the trucks and lettering. The models still have the “old school” horn hook couplers on them and I want to replace them with more correct truck and cuplers. Any advice and help with this would be great. I would guess these are early 20th century frieght cars.
Nate
There’s some discussion on pickle cars HERE, and there is a couple of photos of prototype vinegar cars in the March 2005 issue of RMC. Both cars shown are equipped with typical Bettendorf-style cast trucks. Depending on your modelling era, though, the trucks could also be archbar or Andrews type, too.
I also found this LINK to Sunshine Models, which includes some historical background for the vinegar cars.
I can’t say for sure, but both types of cars probably saw service into the '50s, if not later.
Wayne
Please don’t think you’re now required to model a pickle factory to justify those cars. You can place them in a through train, merely passing through. Perhaps you could arrange for them to need minor repairs. Then you could send them to the RIP track for a visit.
Mark
Some information—
HJHCo.73 H J Heinz Co. pickle tank car ARA TW rectangular tank This car is not listed in 1954 Equiptment Register. Lowest # in Register is HJHX 74.
photo: Train Shed Cyclopedia #12 p.1928-308; p.1931-319
Thank You.
http://www.mcrwy.com/collectn/woodfrt/richter11.html
Here is one currently sitting at Mid Continent. The car is in tough shape, but they do have a nice history of that specific car. Hope it helps.
Kosher or Dill?