Scratch-Built Pickle Car (Pics)

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I found this scratch building article in an old (out of print) MR book titled: Easy to Build Model Railroad Freight Cars. Project #20, by Eric Stevens, featured a great looking pickle car I thought would make a nice addition to my roster. The project article featured full-size templates which were straight forward and easy to use.

Here’s a close up of the car:

1/32 scribed wood was used to model the roof and car ends. The car body and under frame was modeled using northeastern scale strip wood. I used 1 inch dia PVC tubing to form the tubs. I then lined the tubs using 2 x 6 strip wood. The hoops were fabbed using .020 fishing line painted flat black. I used Grandt Line hoop fasteners to complete the tubs. I named the Pickle Company after my dog JR, using the “Paint” program on my PC. I painted the car with Floquil’s Boxcar Red, and lettered it with Micro Scale decals.

2

That looks real good Bob. I like the turnbuckle detail too. Are those scratched, or is that a bought detail?

3

Excellant job,What year would such a car be used?

4

The turnbuckles were scratched from brass tubing following the project article’s instructions.

5

The prototype dates back to the 1920’s.

6

Very nice. Cool, odd, piece of rolling stock for your layout. Wouldn’t mind getting hold of that book myself.
M

7

Love the turnbuckles and the vat strapping![tup][tup]

8

Great car. Do I need one of those. One more thing to put on my wish (I had time) list. I may have to call back in a year for more info. Thanks for sharing.