Tim and Andy,

This has been an interesting discussion.  Thanks for reminding me about the RC-8700 series kits.  I thought I had a good use for some old Front Range cars I had on the shelf, but looks like there may be better alternatives.

I went through my stash of boxcar kits to see what I could find.  I don’t have a RC-8700 series kit to compare.  I did compare the panels on the Front Range boxcar with the Branchline 8’ door car that Andy Carlson recommended.  The panel lines on the Branchline car match up better with the prototype car.  The Branchline car will require more work on the side sill.  The 8’ and 7’ Branchline doors work ( I happened to find one kit with 7’ doors still unbuilt).

It is easy to add a Branchline diagonal panel roof to the Front Range car to upgrade the look, much more work to change the ends.  The side sills only need to be extended to the ends of the car. 

I like either of these options over the McKean/Accurail car for the 3000 series.

Attached are photos comparing the Branchline and Front Range cars with the prototype.  In the end, I think I will build one car each way and share the results.

Sincerely,

Rich Remiarz

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