I've decided to buy some "modern" coal cars. Need advice.

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

The coal cars that run at the club are bright and shiny NS that are as big as my Geep. What I want is some cars like the ones that the BP pulls through town here. I’m told they are 30-40 year old 3 and 4 bay3. I was given an old Pennsy as a sample. About 90% of what comes through town is rust or primer brown and rusted up worse than Brakie would admit possible.

Where would I get such a thing? Who makes decent ones for a good price?

What BP has done is simply paint over the road name and in very small letters stencil in BP in white. How can I get some decals like this without spending an arm and a leg?

On a side note, I finally got my B&P GP 38 running after installing two decoders. It was coincidence that the pick-uips got dirty right when I played decoder tag. Runs like it did before surgery.

2

Chip!

Check Bowser for coal hoppers. See if their hoppers look anything like what you’re talking about.

Here’s a link! http://www.bowser-trains.com/hocars/100t3bay/100t3bay.htm

Matt

3

Those look pretty good. I think they might be a combo of those 100-toners and the older 70-ton.

4

One more thing. Where is the best place to get them?

5

Chip!

Probably eBay. I see them all the time go for $8, sometimes less.

Matt

6

Here is a photo I have of one.

7

Chip,

I believe the BP’s would look right with a string of Bowser’ Lake Erie, Franklin & Clarion Rr. Hopper Cars in tow.

Dave

8

http://stores.ebay.com/BESSEMER-HOBBIES_BOWSER-100-TON-HOPPERS_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZQ2d1QQfsubZ12QQftidZ2QQtZkm

there is a full range on there for you to see what bowser has made and whats available

i use these bowsers for my early 90’s P&LE, conrail, csx, ns and b&le cars

9

Chip,

Walthers makes a set of 6 Hoppers per set at a very reasonable price. I got the BNSF ones.

The only thing they need is Kadee couplers and maybe in the future a set of metal wheel sets. Here’s a picture of them next to the GEEP. Also, Microscale decals make a set of “lettering only” decals for about $7.00 a sheet …A lettering set of decals will last a long time

10

Chip,

I would second or third the Bowser kits. The vast majority of my hopper fleet are the 45’ 100 Ton 3 Bay hoppers.

Although, not the clearest of pictures…the D&H hoppers trailing the RDG engine are said Bowser kits:

Nick

11

I’ve been looking at some hoppers myself, I looked at walthers, bowser, roundhouse, & athearn. Truly our hobby has come a long way, these hoppers are very close to the prototype. Anyway I’m leaning more towards the walthers line.

12

When I want Bowser I call English’s Hobby Shop in Montoursville. They are nice people, offer excellent service and usually feature discounted prices. Last time I called them I received my order within 24 hours - you can’t beat that. Their number is 570-368-2516.

13

Chip,Those look like 100 ton hoppers…As far as rust buckets those are old B&LE(ex RI) cars so if you want a ringer then you will need the Bowser 100 ton hopper.

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/ble/ble1635an.jpg

14

I just recently picked up a bunch of Intermountain Bathtub coal gondolas and they look and run great. I got them for 16 bucks each and I think they are well worth the price. There are usually a bunch on Ebay.

15

Bowser for sure. I have a dozen or so of them and they are a blast to put together not to hard. The lettering on them is sharp and they have a good bit of detail.

J.W.