In many instances, I will start with an undec model, and paint and decal it up to represent a prototype car. But I need to add the data underneath the reporting marks, like the weight limits, etc.
Assuming I want to make my own, where on the internet is a listing of various freight car types and their respective data capacities? Like ACF 2-bays… 3-bays… PS2 covered hoppers… boxcars… and so on. I realize there will be fluccuations within each category based on body style and manufacturer. But surely there exists an old BBS list somewhere that somebody remembers.
I mean, how do the decal manufacturers come up with the data for their sheets? Looking at the prototype car up close? What if I am modeling a car from the Fallen Flags site and can’t make out the obscurred or barely visible data?
Any ideas or recommendations…?
Having a clear photo of specific prototype car at the period you are modeling it is best bet.
Try a Car Builders Cyclopedia (published by Simmons Boardman) for the period you are modeling. A few large research libraries may have a copy.
Info from Car Builders Cycs has been reprinted in the Train Shed Cyclopedia often available at train shows, hobby shops, etc.
Lots and lots of prototype dimensional data and weight limit information from Official Railway Equipment Register. I am exceedingly lucky to have one for my modeling period, 1954. They are now available on computer CD-ROM for a number of periods.
Any reputable decal manufacturer will create their decals based on two things: official railroad lettering guides and photographs of the prototypes. Yes, there is a lot of “generic” data information out there, but that info is REALLY general, and based on period AAR publications. In reality, there was a lot more fluctuation in dimensional data, since there were so many unique car designs out there. Weight and loading information didn’t change much, since it’s mostly the trucks that determine that (a 40’ box riding on 40 ton trucks can have a loaded weight of LESS than 40 tons, but not greater!).
If you want to make your own decals, I’d suggest one of two routes: do what the pros do and research the cars, or plagarize from their stock decal sheets. I suggest NOT plagarizing; not only is it immoral, but it’s illegal too.
I’d stick with digging through the Fallen Flags site for data pics, or head to the nearest mainline with a digital camera. You should be able to take a bunch of pics of what you need in no time.
Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of information that’s NOT online, and I suspect that loading and dimensional data for freight cars is one of them. At least, this rivet counter hasn’t really come up with much of anything in that department in three years of looking!
Thanks Guys,
I just learned of the ORER today. I found a few things I can use.
But like Ray suggests - my best bet is to keep an eye out for data when I am out railfanning up close. Most of the time I am hunting for scummy cars. Now I see that I will need to not skip over the relatively clean ones.