I just recieved the a couple of sets of sides from Union Station Products, and boy am I impressed. I haven’t purchased sides from them since 2003 and they have REALLY improved them. They even come with drawings/floorplans of the prototype cars (which they didn’t used to) which is going to save me a lot of research, and possibly the expense of having to purchase books. I did purchase a Chopper 2 specifically for this project, so I am anxious to finally use that.
I purchased the first two cars of my nest passenger train project, which is a late '50s Sunset Limited. I got the baggage/dorm, and the baggage car. The fluting is a lot cleaner than it used to be, as well as the window openings.
I am also finally going to put forth a real effort at using Alclad 2 (about time, huh Antonio[;)]). If anybody is interested, I have considered doing a tutorial on the assembly of one of these cars.
Count me among those interested in seeing a tutorial. I have four sets of USP sides waiting on the shelf- a C&O combine, two C&O parlor cars and a “Chessie Club” tavern-lounge.
I was just really impressed because they included prototype pics of both sides of the cars (good pics), and schematics that include interior floorplans. On the last passenger train project I did (late '50s consolidated Super Chief/El Cap) I had to invest a lot of time to find that info.
Smitty, I’m looking forward to your tutorial. Do know what USP’s web site is? I need some Pullman fluting to add to a brass business car. BTW, Coach Yard doesn’t have a release date yet on your 400 series business car. It’s listed as TBA.
I heard a rumor (what’s going on Fast Freddy?) that they were going to be released this fall, but on their site (the Santa Fe business car PDF), it is saying 2009. Oh the years of pain…
I’m working on two. The first is a ATSF 44 seat chair car using the sides from the ATSF modeling society and a W&R GN business car that will be done to reflect the rebuild by the BNSF Topeka shops. The business car will be fluted and painted to represent the stainless steel fluting applied. Thanks for the link Smitty. BTW, there is a former ATSF 400 supr business car in Abilene, KS
I think you may have mentioned that car before. I really need to get off my behind and take the fam out there for a road trip to try and get some pics before the water leaking through the windows completely eats up the steel where the body meets the channel sill (if it hasn’t already).
Smitty, I didn’t know about the car at Abilene until a few weeks ago. I mentioned the car on HWY 56 about 35 miles south of my home. If you get out my why, let me know and I will show the cars. I feel your pain about the CY business cars. I’ve preordered two different cars the William B Strong and lounge car 62 and I’ve got this sinking feeling that they may not be produced. I hope they do however. I hope to post some WIP photos of the ATSF chair car. I painted this one in Alclad II.