I only have a 4X8 layout so my mainline radius is about 22 inches.
I would like to run a short commuter train but the “normal” passenger cars would not look natural.
I am feelancing the C&NW around 1950. I have a mogul for the older runs plus a pacific for the “modern” train.
Any suggestions?
BB
Concor has 70 footers based on CNW cars.They have truck mounted couplers to go around 18". The Walthers/Rivarossi 60’ were also CNW. I thinmk RR will bring them back.
I’ve got a set of Life-Like R17 subway cars. I model subways, but these cars could be used on an elevated or surface line. With some re-painting, they wouldn’t look out of place on a surface commuter line in the 50’s. It might take some bashing, but you could also turn them into commuter cars by reworking the side doors and windows.
They come in a set of 4, one powered. I got my set from Trainworld for about $130. They are just shy of 50 scale feet. All 4 cars are illuminated and come with directional (DC) headlights. They run very well. I put a decoder in the engine, and I’ve replaced most of the junk couplers with Kadee #5’s as they failed.
As subway cars, I also added the black “end gates” which I got from Images Replicas, and some black chain loops across the end doors. The final touch is a video camera in the front car, looking out the porthole front door window, for a motorman’s eye view of my tunnels.
Hopefully, Hornby will re-release the Rivarossi 60-footers with upgraded tooling, interiors, etc. Walthers may have some of the older stock left over – check their web site.
Hi Blind Bruce,
Roundhouse/MDC made two lines of cars that may help, in addition to their very short old-time Overton cars. Since its sale to Athearn and then Athearn’s sale to Horizon, I’m not sure of the status of these, but they should show up at swa[p meets and at auctions.
The first is a line of wooden 50’ passenger cars with open platforms. These came as RPO, baggage, sleeper, business, coach, observation and combination cars. They sported clerestory roofs.
Roundhouse alse had a line of modern, steel, 60’ cars. These came as RPO, baggage, combine, diner, coach, and observation cars. These have round roofs.
My LHS has Walters Trainline 60’ Heavyweights. They will run on 22" radius but look much better on 24" or greater. Don’t see these in the new Walthers catalog.
I bought a set of Rivarossi 60 footers from Trainworld last winter. Give them a try. They look great despite their size. I plan to run them on my branch line when that gets built.
Good tip, jecorbett. IIRC, a couple of the Rivarossi 60 footers are actually C&NW prototype and fairly accurate, even for length. I think it was the coach and baggage, but I could be wrong about that. Anyone know for sure?