I have a problem 50’ boxcar that needs replacement parts for the floor and underfloor bracing. They are out of stock at athearn.com Anyone know I can get inexpensive 50’ athearn boxcar from the 70’s to end of BB era for salvage or have one they would like to adopt out to a new home?
See: https://hoseeker.net/athearninstructionscars1970/50pdboxcar.jpg
I would call Athearn at 310-763-7140 and ask for the parts department.
You see they don’t list all their parts on line.
I would think that you could probably find a similar Blue Box car on EBay or at a train show or used hobby shop. Blue Box is a very common brand after all. I’d be surprised if you couldn’t find a subject for scaling for spare parts if you put a small bit of effort into searching.
Calling Athearn is a great start, to see if the parts are out there, and watch Ebay.
Once in HO scale, on Ebay, type Athearn parts into the search box. Lots of times there are seperate parts like running boards, chassis, etc., I watch the parts list all the time, and I see lots of box car stuff.
Also, remember the place on Ebay where I told you to find tank car stuff? He also does box cars, the same way. Check out his store.
As long as your in Ebay, also search for Athearn box cars. You might find something cheap enough to salvage parts, or to completely replace with a different car.
If all else fails, you are dead set on restoring this particular car, and you can’t find anything, PM me, as I have BB freight cars that I will never use, especially those with running boards.
Good luck,
Mike.
Problem solved, I was able to come up with a local source that had a salvage car with a sound floor and bracing.
