There are two Des Plaines C&O boxcar kits now on sale on EBay. These are very nice plastic kits. I attached a couple of photos of an Erie kit with Viking roof that I built. Chuck Cover Santa Fe, NM

Thanks Mel for sending me the Westerfield data sheet for the 36’ Erie Fowler boxcar. It has filled in some information for me and it looks like they were no longer on the roster during my modeling tim

Thanks Fenton. I don’t see much on the Erie car with the exception that the builder is the same as some of the NC&StL cars. I think that I will still need the Erie information. Chuck

Group, I have a kit without instructions and prototype data sheet for Westerfield #4352 36' Fowler Erie boxcar. Once I have the instructions, I will have a little better idea of what decals that I nee

Hi Bill, Check out Shapeways. I have used them a number of times, great to work with. Hope you had a great TG. Chuck Cover Santa Fe, NM

This is a question that comes up frequently from modelers of all railroads. My advice is close is good enough. When you look at prototype photos of any railroad, one always sees a variety of shades of

I know that I may be in the minority, but I feel that a lot of models have over-done weathering. Are ladder scuffs really that visible on most boxcars? Do all galvanized roofs have large patches of ba

It appears as if our models do not need to have all of their grabs irons exactly straight. 😊 Chuck Cover Santa Fe, NM

Group, I use Tichy #1103 phosphor bronze wire, .020, for the hand rails on resin kit built, as well as repaired plastic, tank cars. I join the end railings and the side railings with a 20 gauge needle

I agree with Jim 100%, that the color you choose to paint a freight car does NOT have to be an exact match to the original paint of the prototype. We all weather our models, and between the original F

Here are a couple of photos of this car, built up and on my layout. Everyone can decide for themselves if the dome an acceptable size. The car is a nice variation from most of the rest of my tank car

Thanks to everyone who responded to my request for more information on what a 6.5K tank car would normally carry. From what I have heard on the list, the car would not be any different than any other

I recently built a Sunshine #62.5 UTLX X-3, 6.5K tank car. I was wondering if these smaller cars were used for any special/unique commodities or whether they were used in general service as most of th

Hi Charlie, I believe these cars were all freight car color, no black ends or roof. I built one quite a few years ago, see attached. Chuck Cover Santa Fe, NM

Thanks Bill, well stated. Many in this hobby are collectors rather than builders, which is ideal for those who design and sell the resin kits. If the only kits sold were those which were immediately b

Thanks to everyone who has responded. It has been a big help. Chuck Cover Santa Fe, NM

Group, I know various drilling methods have been discussed before, however, I have not found recommendations for the actual drill bits themselves. I like to hand drill for grab irons, etc. and will co

Paul, Can you comment on the doors, interesting look. Chuck Cover Santa Fe, NM

Group, I have some K4 decals and am having trouble in that the decals are very difficult to remove from the backing. The instructions say to float in warm water for 20 seconds and remove before the de

I have finished going through the freight cars on my layout and I have a second group of built RTR cars that I have for sale. There are 10 built RTR Sunshine kits for sale, as well as 1 MP Yankee Clip