On Jul 7, 2007, at 9:45 AM, Kurt Laughlin wrote:

I have been looking for a HO model to represent the MP 40 ft, 10-6
IH, 3898 cu ft, 6 ft door boxcars; preferably the 19000 - 19999
series, but others may be identical. I see Branchline has an MP model
#1420 but the fullsize pic linked to the thumbnail is a NCSTL car. The
kit has "4/4 ends and panel roof" but I don't know if that's right for
the car number as other MP cars with these dimensions had 5/5 DE or
1/3/4 IDE. Does anyone know the BLT car number and if its correctly
configured? If not, how about a suggestion for a model?

Kurt,
The 19000-19999 series cars were built late 1952 to early 1953. I-GN
was assigned 19000-19499 and StLB&M got 19500-19999. All cars were
built by MP at their DeSoto, Mo. shops.

The cars had R+3/4 Improved Dreadnaught Ends that were used from 1948
through 1954. All cars had 6' door openings and diagonal panel roofs.
These cars are shown in an article on MoPac's 40' all-steel box cars
(not including steel rebuilds) that was published in the Summer 1995
Eagle. This issue is available for purchase from the MPHS
(www.mopac.org) company store.

The MP 40' AAR box car offered by BT is a slightly later car with 8'
door openings built 1956.

In 2003 the MPHS had Branchline produce 600 exclusive kits that were
offered to MPHS members, and they included models in both of these
groups. These kits were highly authentic and sold out fast, but you
might find them on eBay from time to time. After 1956 the reporting
marks reverted to M.P., however, it took several years for the cars to
be routed through the shops and to either be completely repainted or to
have their reporting marks stencils changed.
Regards,
Ed Hawkins