Well, I was fortunate enough to drop into my FLHS today just prior to the folks from Horizon Hobbies arriving. They brought HO & N scale pre-production samples of their new 40’ Pfaudler milk cars with them. All I can say is…WOW o WOW o WOW!!! It’s a beauty!!! I placed my order for 6 undecs right then!
I compared it to the new Walthers 50’ milk car. First, let me say that I know the feelings of many readers about the Walthers car. Personally I like the Walthers car and have a few on the layout. I gave up on counting rivets long ago and if it looks good enough and 90% of the folks recognize it as a milk car then I’ll accept it to.
THAT SAID…
On most counts it’s leaps and bounds ahead of the Walthers car.
ROOF:Walthers-smooth, no detail Athearn-simulated canvas texture with overlapping of sections
Roof walks/boards:Walthers-smooth Athearn-wood grain
Roof radius:both appear to be identical
Trucks:Walthers-no bolt details-plain don’t roll well Athearn-great details-roll better
Grabs/ladders/end details:Walthers-not bad Athearn-a little better
Wood sheathing:Walthers-deep grooves-nicer Athearn-shallow grooves (Walthers wins here!)
Doors/hinges:Walthers-okay-no prizes Athearn-slightly better detail
Paint:Walthers-excellent Athearn-not as nice but it was a preproduction car so I can’t give a + or - here
Underbody detail:Walthers-okay, slightly better wood grooves Athearn-okay, slightly shallow board grooves
Lower side frames:Walthers-plain Athearn-great bolt/rivet details
I was very impressed with the car and can hardly wait until they arrive. I’m sure those of you who scrutinize models to the "n"th degree will find many more faults than I but I’ll go on the record here and say these cars will make a LOT OF MONEY for Athearn/Horizon.
My 2¢
Roger Huber