Passenger Car Details

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am looking for a couple of items:

  • Working diaphragms for the Con-Cor 72’ passenger cars - Which ones seem to work best?

  • Roof top radio antenna for a Diner-Lounge car - I have not been able to find a complete kit or even the stantions - Any sources?

Jim Bernier

2

Jim, I use American Limited diaphragms on my Con Cor 72’ cars. I carefully remove the molded on diaphragm/door frame from the end of the car first. This puts the diaphragm where it should be and creates much closer to prototype coupling. I use JayBee coupler pads to body mount long shank Kadee couplers.

I will try to take a photo or two and post for you to see. The cars are spaced only a few scale inches more than prototype, the diaphragms touch all the time and work great, even through #5 crossovers, etc.

I don’t do the radio antenna thing so I can’t help with that.

Sheldon

3

Do you think that maybe some Pennsy diesel induction antenna parts might work for you?: http://bowser-trains.com/hoother/calscale/Cal%20Scale%20Diesel%20Parts1.jpg

4

I thought about them, but they are too tall. I just sent an email to Walthers to see if I can order the antenna parts from the Hiawatha Tap-Lounge car. The Kato business car antenna looks like a possible part as well.

Jim

5

Sheldon,

Which American Ltd diaphragms do you use on this cars? I plan to ‘body mount’ the couplers and have seen the Jay Bee coupler pads. Sounds like my ‘list’ of detail parts is growing. I just ordered Palace Car Co interior seating for the cars as well. I plan to light the cars with the Rapido ‘Easy Peasy’ lighting kits.

Jim

6

Jim, I use the #9000 grey streamlined diaphragm, but the same one is also available black, and they are also available in six car bulk packs which is how I usually buy them.

http://www.americanlimitedmodels.com

I have tried the EasyPeasy lighting and they work well. I decided against them because the detection system I use requires lighted cars and will not respond to resistance wheel sets.

Sheldon

7

I have used American Limited diaphragms on these cars and they look fine.

For roof antennas I have used steam locomotive stancions with 0.015 wire and it looks very good. I did not try this antenna method on Con Cors, however.