Who makes truss rod flats and gondolas?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I model the pre-WW1 era. I have been looking for kits for wood truss rod flat cars and gondolas. Haven’t found a lot. Rio Grande Models makes a 30 foot V&T flat and I am going to order a couple of those. MDC makes a nice box that has even been decorated for the Tonopah and Tidewater RR and La Belle makes lots of stuff for my era (the 1905 passenger cars are great!) but I have not found any flats. Any other suggestions?- Nevin

2

Look at LaBelle again. They make a 2 car flat car kit. They also have a gondola. I built one many years ago, lots of fun.

Enjoy

Paul

3

I found them. I only found the HOn3 ones on the website before for some reason. I just ordered the HO 2 flats and the one gondola. It should be fun to make. - Nevin

4

I found them. I only found the HOn3 ones on the website before for some reason. I just ordered the HO 2 flats and the one gondola. It should be fun to make. - Nevin

5

Westerfield has a couple gondolas. F&C has a hopper bottom gon and a steel underframe gon.

You’ll need to look at resin kits.

No major plastic model manufacturer produces an accurate wood underframe truss rod coal car.

No major plastic model manufacturer has produced a new accurate wood underframe truss rod car in the last 35-40 years.

For some reason the major model manufacturers think railroads were invented in 1930 and completely ignore the first 100 years of railroading.

6

Nevin,

This is a pretty easy car to scratch build. Take a look at the RGM kit when you get it and go for it. Grandt line makes the queen posts and brake set, Kadee makes the no 78 couplers in a box and you can use MDC arch bar trucks. Scratch the frame/deck out of wood and you are good to go.

Here is one of my scratch built flats with an RGM tank set as a load.

Guy

7

There are, in fact, a considerable number of kits for flats, gondolas, and other early wooden rolling stock. The first half dozen manufacturers produce truss rod flats/ gondolas besides LaBelle and Rio Grande Models. I include a few more who do other early rolling stock just to demonstrate that the often remarked lack of older rolling stock isn’t very accurate. You simply need search a bit deeply to find the listings–and probably order online.

BTS: http://www.btsrr.com/btscar01.htm

Amesville Shops: http://www.amesvilleshops.com/

Alkem: Alkem Scale Models

Trout Creek:

8

Thanks Voyager for the excellent list. I have all of these (and have purchased from several) listed in various places elsewhere, but you put it all together in one place. It is much appreciated.

Fred W

…modeling foggy coastal Oregon, where it’s always 1900…

9

Guy:

I know that they are pretty easy, I scratch built a V&T flat once in O scale. Having all of the parts in one place and already cut has some advantages when your modeling time is limited. Considering the prototypes I am modeling, eventually lots of scratch building is going to be required. - Nevin

10

Gloucesterman: Thank your for that list. I was not aware of the REMS website at all. this is very helpful for anyone modeling pre-1930. - Nevin

11

For some reason, Bitter Creek has not started their line of old time kits. The company use to be BC Models run by Bob Cook. I still have Bob’s original catalog and he had a nice line of rolling stock.

The new guy said over a year ago he was going to start producing the new kits but nothing has happened yet. I have bought some trucks and parts from him

Be advised, his metal parts are lead castings.

Update.

Jeff, of Bitter Creek, has a full time job and that has slowed him down a lot for producing the rolling stock kits. He wants to upgrade the older BC Models design.

Rich

12

You could try using MDC old timers 36ft box or reefer RTR or kits and use only the bottom frame.

Peter Smith

13

River City railroad sells MDC plastic 36 foot truss rod project car kits, unpainted, 5 for $15.00. Do a minum bid as most pay about that price for what I have seen. I did that once. Good deal.

Rich