what to buy

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I am in a phase of buying some coaches for my HO lay-out.
Can anybody give an advise what to buy,
I am interested in some corrugated (?) coaches (for Santa Fe) either from
IHC
Athearn
Con-Cor
or others
points of interest are, quality - level of detail,
value for money (not the cheapest neither the most expensive)
(remember, in The Netherlands hardly any US models in stock).
Rien Kolkman, Assen The Netherlands

2

The most expensive discounted cars out there are the Walthers 85’ Budd Cars,$24.00 + $8.00 for their light kits, but require 24" radius.

Con-Cor has a less expensive smooth side with an up-
graded kit 72" that will handle the 18" curves.
The up-grade includes McHenry couples, added weight, a new brass post and screw mounting system. Web page, www-all-railroads.com I think the 2002 Walthers reference book may list almost all passenger cars available.

3

You may want to think about the Athearn cars.These cars run between $10.00-$12.00 (U.S)These are good runners and looks good.Now,on the down side they are around 72’ cars vs. the normal lenght passenger cars.However,in all fairness they do look good when used in a passenger train.I thought I would mention this to give you a comparison with the other brands of high dollar cars.These cars will take a 18"curve if you are wondering.

4

Con Cor also has full length stainless steel cars some of which, I think, are Santa Fe prototypes.
Don’t ignore the old Herkimer OK line of actual metal cars – not the best details, and maybe really hard to get in Europe, but some interesting variety from the usual
Dave Nelson

5

I have 12 of these athearns with light kits+ #5 kadees besides the Walthers and YES, they are inexpensive and like brakie said “good runners”