Is there a handy print or online resource identifying when, for example, the various types of boxcars were manufactured and commonly used? Obviously, prototype photos will be the definitive reference, but some general guidelines would be nice when comparing what’s plausible to what models are commercially available - I’m not ready to go kitbashing just yet. Specifically I’m modelling the NKP in 1944, if that helps.
I am not aware of any general resource. For models for my collection, I start with the dates on the sides of the cars. Some manufactures list those, such as Kadee:
http://www.kadee.com/ca/40ps1/40ps1.htm
In the specific case to the NKP, you are fortunated to have an excellent historical society, well worth joining.
After looking over many resources, you learn what is appropriate, and what is not.
Since nobody has mentioned it yet - Kalmbach has a book by Jeff Wilson : “Model Railroader’s Guide to Freight Cars” that discusses when various types of freight cars were introduced, spotting features and suchlike.
Can be purchased e.g. here: http://www.kalmbachstore.com/12450.html
Smile,
Stein
As Stein has mentioned, Jeff Wilson’s book is a very good general reference for all types of freight cars. You can get a sample of its content on Google Books.
Joe
Depending just what era(s) you wish to know about, the best, most accurate and authorative sources that you might be able to acquire would be the books of the Train Shed Cyclopedia series (reprints of the Car/Loco Builders Cyclopedias), published by Newton Gregg, which cover specific car types and include numerous illustrations of in-service cars from a wide range of railroads and companies.
CNJ831
Haha… I actually just found Wilson’s book on this afternoon’s trip to the LHS. Looks like that should be an excellent start. I had never heard of the Cyclopedias before and did a little Googling. Holy cow, looks like a lot of information there! I guess most people probably don’t need more than a handful of them, though, depending on what era they’re modelling. Perhaps I’ll check out a couple if Wilson’s book doesn’t go far enough. Thanks for the suggestions.
Most branchline kits indicate an “as deliverd 19xx” paint scheme, or later “19xx repaint”. That’s arguably even better because just beacuse a certain type of car was available, say in 1946, doesn’t mean a particular railroad had it then, even though they may have acquired some later.
There is a farly good online reference for PRR, on Rob Schoenburg’s (forgive the spelling) website, and some (but not most) had “standard” AAR or ARA equvalents.
Westerfield kits also have detailed info on when they were built and modified. I think this is available on line as well. I imagine the other fine scale manufacturers such as F&C and Sunshine also have this.
There used to be a site called Steam Era Freight Cars that had started a list, but it doesn’t look like it has been maintained or added to in quite some time. Too bad because it lookd really good.
I also use the “BLT-” date or the “NEW-” date on models, but that assumes that it is even a prototypically accurate paint scheme.
There is a yahoo group for steam era freight cars as well, but for some reason my membership has been “under consideration” for several months.
I also second the historical society reference. Additionally, some fan sites have roster lists with aquisition info. Some of the historical societies publish online newsletters which frequently have extremey detailed articles on a particular class of car.
Sometimes you get lucky if you just google something like…“mantua gondola prototype”…
You are going down a dangerous road. With too much knowledge, you will possibly become dissatisfied with much of the rolling stock offered by the mass manufacturers. Much/most of the models may be based on a particularly prototype, but will be painted/lettered them for railroads which never had such cars. Wrong roofs, wrong ends, wrong doors, wrong roof walks, gawda, gawda, gawda. You will also find that lettering and equipment requirements changed over the decades and realize that much of your rolling stock doesn’t fit the period you’re modeling.
Do you really not want to lose your innocence?
Mark
The Nickle Plate Road Historical Society is the best place to start.
What people need are charts that lists years across the top 1850 to 1900, 1900 to 1950, 1950 to 2000 for each freight car type and builder. The chart will list freight cars by the time they were introduced and then have a horizontal bar showing the time period built in one color and the next horizontal bar indicating total years in service in another color.
What is helpful are rosters of freight cars showing how long cars were in service. 1944 means that many combination wood and metal freight cars would still be in service.
Railyard photos from the 1940’s will help you decide what to choose.
Andrew Falconer
LOL, what, me obsessive-compulsive? Funny because I was just admiring Red Caboose’s NKP X-29 boxcar until I found a reference that indicated they didn’t have their own until they acquired the W&LE, which wasn’t until 1949. Oh well… still makes sense using a Pennsy one instead. So yeah… I could see myself going there eventually. Probably not to the point of criticizing roof walks, at least not for a long time. At the moment, the sum total of my layout is a loop of track on the table, so I have more important things to concern myself with.