Indiana Jones circus train

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Hi I am new here but not new to trains. My son and I are looking to build an HO scale Indiana Jones circus train from the movie Last Crusade. My question is what cars to use for the animals cars? They are wooden with flat roofs. I have checked Walthers with little luck. I thought about scratch building the whole car but would be easier to only scratch build a part. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

2

Gidday, [#welcome] to the forum.

I would suggest that the MDC Roundhouse 36’ Old Time Boxcars would be a good starting point, especially if you can still pick up unbuilt kits, the kits having been discontinued. They are now made as RTR items under the Athearn banner.

http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=36'+Box&CatID=THRF

Far cheaper on Ebay. http://www.ebay.com/sch/Roundhouse-/19139/i.html

Have Fun, [:D]

Cheers, the Bear.

3

Thanks.those look like a good starting point.

4

“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” circus train was filmed on the Cumbres and Toltec (ex-D&RGW) narrow gauge using narrow gauge equipment. If you really want to duplicate the train from the movie in HO, then HOn3 equipment would be a good place to start.

An article with multiple photos of the prototype movie train and a model of the train can be found in Railroad Model Craftsman magazine July1989 if you can find it.

5

Hi 286dad,

As already mentioned, it was filmed on the C&TSRR on the New Mexico - Colorado border. The equipment is narrow gauge with the boxcars being 30 footers.

Here is a link to a Blackstone Models Gondola HOn3

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Blackstone-Models-HOn3-Gondola-DRGW-p/bsm-b340559.htm

Although Blackstone also makes a rtr of the box car here is a link to a kit from Rail Line that is easier on the wallet

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Rail-Line-HOn3-130-30-Box-Car-Denver-Rio-Grand-p/rln-130.htm

Here is a link to the C&TSRR Rolling Stock database.

http://www.cumbrestoltec.org/php/assets/fctsrr.php?category=rollingStock

A link to a behind the scenes video of the prototype.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGmFUnrk3FM

If you go up for a ride on the RR you can even stay in the Indiana Jones House

http://antonitocoloradosteamtrainscenicrailroad.com/the_indy_experience.htm

Keep us posted with pics on your progress, Derek

6

…although if I might add the Blackstone models may be a bit expensive to for a new (assuming) modeler and his son.

7

You are correct sir, that’s why I mentioned Blackstone isn’t friendly on the wallet and gave the boys a link to a $16.00 Rail Line kit.

8

Thanks to everyone for your help. Looks like we will need to save a bit more money to make them as authentic as possible.

9

Thanks. Think I will try the Rail line first and see what I can do with them. Thanks for the videos as well.

10

Which, as a totally useless factoid, was the very first model railroad magazine I ever bought. I remember reading it while working as a projectionist for a film festival in college. When I ditched all my old paper mags, I made sure to save this one. I think this is where my long-time interest in narrow gauge comes from.

IIRC, several of the cars were modified with holes for giraffes, etc. It would definitely be easier to do this with the rail line kits than tackle an expensive RTR car. I would highly recommend getting the Blackstone trucks though. You won’t regret it.

11

Totally agree with you Milepost. I only recommended the Blackstone Gondola for the guys. I’m not really aware of any other that matches the Prototype from the movie. They would still have to put a partial tarp around it.