Kadee will sell you the 18" bracket grabs used on their PS-1 boxcars, if you email them a request. They require 4 holes, but are very nice. Regards, James Cummings

Paul You mean the side sill steps, centered under the doors? Wow, I could use about 50 of those. I build mine with (unprototypical) braces to make them a bit less likely to get broken. Tim O'

Guys - Has anyone here converted the Funaro & Camerlengo kit for the 1946 version (2000 cu.ft.) of the NYC covered hopper (Lot 747-H with 8 hatches) into the shorter NYC 1800 cu.ft. version built in

Bill, It was I who was trying to get Overland to do a bulk run of the frieght car grabs a couple of years ago. It went nowhere, they would not even give me the time of day. I do have a casting shop

A wholesale plumbing supplier would be a better choice   John F. Cizmar SG Supply Co.

Dear Lestor: I stocked up with the Overland brass "bracket grab kit" before and just after it became unavailable from them. Someone on this list was in conversation with Overland trying to get a bulk

Hi Jared, I buy sheet lead by mail (yes, I know!) from Small Parts Inc., www.smallparts.com. A-Line also packages it for sale in hobby shops and through Walthers. Have a good weekend, Andy Andy

Ed Mines wrote: “I was amazed at how much prices have gone up and the quality of the Broadway Limited USRA hopper. The grab irons look to be scale (10-12 mils!).”   Broadway Limited does NOT make

Any home improvement store or roofing supply. Home Depot has it in Houston. ---------------------------------------------------------------- J. Stephen (Steve)

I have a lifetime supply, thanks to Vanderbilt Medical Center. However, you can find all kinds of stuff (including sheet lead) at McMaster-Carr: mcmaster.com/ Also try a local sheet metal supplier;

Jared, Well, some folks say I'm "touched" already <VBG>... but heck, if you're nice to me, I might even let you touch the floorboards! Regards Bruce Bruce F. Smith Auburn,

Anyone know what kind of place I may purchase sheet lead? Thanks in advance. Jared Harper Athens, GA

Oooo Bruce! The next time I see you may I touch you? 8>) Jared Harper Athens, GA

Was this tank car discussed recently? I saw one for sale at Trainland in Lynbrook a few days ago. The box looked to be in mint condition; they probably found it and about a dozen other 40 year old

Hi, Some time back, I asked about D&H composite Seley hoppers on this list. My N scale models are now complete, weathered and all. See URL

Hi Ken--I want to second Bruce's suggestion to go to the PRRPro list. On topic are messages #3754 and #3771 for discussion of both side and end ladders. On the way there, check out the very handy

I am wondering if anyone has any unwanted SFRD 50-ft steel reefers or ideally just the roof? Maybe something that has been damaged for example. I am trying to gather up some roofs to cut up to

Ken, Based on a "fleet" conversion process, the difficulty in finding matching ladders and the difficulty in shaving the stiles from the ends, I restricted myself to removing the rungs. Even that

I too have a Bowser X31A I want to upgrade. In addition to grab irons, what are people using for replacement ladders? I can't seem to find any commercial parts that are the right width and rung

Al, If I understand your question correctly, ultimately, car tonnage ratings depend on axle and bearing ratings (and car construction that can withstand the load). From an email in 2006 by Tim