Dave, I model late spring 1955. I have a collection of the Car Builders’ Cyclopedias and find each valuable for data and photos they contain. You asked, “how often did these come out”? Photo of dates

Building IMWX 1937 NYC box car in series 1573XX. Have info. Ed Hawkins compiled on the 1937 box cars; however, no luck finding photo except in Car Builder Cyc. Of the modified 1937 assigned to the 159

Due to a typing error, a space that did not belong, the blog link in previous post did not work. Please forgive. ‘Correct link: http://mnrailroadcab100.blogspot.com/ Lester Breuer

Jim Thank You for your kind word regarding my blog. I have attached a couple of photos of the lumber load Jim is commenting on. And, yes by hand. For others if interested in seeing the build of the go

My friend George Toman and I built and upgraded a Northern Pacific Historical Railway Association (NPRHA) resin 70-Ton 13 post gondola kit we numbered 59204. The build and upgrade was done to provide

My friend George Toman and I built and upgraded a Northern Pacific Historical Railway Association (NPRHA) resin 70-Ton 13 post gondola kit we numbered 59204. The build and upgrade was done at the same

Bob, Thank You for sharing this great color photo. Provides a fine view of the “B” end and one type of the hatch rests, clearly visible. Lester Breuer Plymouth, MN

Bruce Hendricks asked how accurate are the Athearn blue box pickled cars. In the research I have done the Athearn car with some work can produce a accurate Heinz pickle car. The roof hatch supports th

I built and upgraded a Bowser Chicago Great Western (CGW) covered hopper kit. I built the Bowser covered hopper car in CGW class LO, numbered 70057. The Bowser covered hopper kit including lettering i

I built and upgraded a Bowser Rock Island (RI) covered hopper kit. I built the Bowser covered hopper car in RI class LO, numbered 491. The Bowser covered hopper kit is an excellent match for its RI pr

Today when looking up Route Card Board in 1946 and 1957 Car Builders’ Cyclopedia It refers one to Placard Board. When looking at Placard Boards you find (A.A.R. Recommended Practice) Manual, C-42. Doe

Bill I have attached a photo showing the various ones I use when needed. All are turned by hand to produce a countersunk hole and if sharp an easy task. Lester Breuer Plymouth, MN

I built and upgraded Northwoods Models, Soo Parts Minneapolis & St. Louis (M&STL) general service gondola one piece body resin 3D printed kit 22080 I numbered 30357. One unique feature is the inset on

I built and upgraded Southern Car & Foundry Tank car resin kit 2005. It is a different design 8,000 gallon tank car as it has a 6 course radial tank with different safety valve location that I lettere

Eric looks as if it does have a few thousand miles on it. Nice weathering job and writeup on your blog. Lester Breuer

As Tony stated the right size for tank car handrails is .019” diameter wire. It was available from Detail Associates and and can still be found at times on Amazon or EBay. Another source would be pian

Jeff there is a commercial solution - vortex paint mixer. A good one will cost around a hundred dollars. Since I already have a paint shaker (photo) I have not been willing to make the investment in t

Dean I purchase mine at the local hobby shop which does do mail order. They stock both Vallejo Model Air and Model Color. I also buy Vallejo at Hobby Lobby; however, limited colors available and not a

Jeff asked what method I use to mix Vallejo paints in their bottle? Jeff I mix the Vallejo paint in their bottle by first shaking the bottle as any paint. And, then removing the top of the dropper bot

Charlie another fine looking SS box car. As, for “snake bites” as we all experience at times, one has to keep muttering, “Model Railroading is FUN, Model Railroading is FUN” or maybe “Freight Car Buil