I’m inclined to agree with your comment about griminess, but bear in mind that the photographic emulsions a century ago were primarily blue sensitive rather than panchromatic as they were later. That

A very modelable scene, with the tight curve and the curved add-on to the loading platform, all bounded by buildings. David Soderblom Baltimore MD USA drs@stsci.edu, 410-338-4543

Exquisite, isn’t it? All those directions in the boards and even different textures. That’s why we model those freight cars, so that even a fairly casual viewer can see distinctive differences. It rea

Look, it’s your own, individual layout and scenario you are creating. There is no such thing as absolute fidelity to a “truth,” because that apparent truth involved lots and lots of variation. It’s al

Ben: Please say more so I can understand your point... David Soderblom Baltimore MD USA drs@stsci.edu

I strongly agree that powdered Teflon is an outstanding lubricant. Much cleaner than graphite in all applications.

This is outside of this group’s realm, I admit, but, as an astronomer, the 200-inch (5-meter) was an amazing instrument that never really realized its potential. It’s mostly the site, Mount Palomar, w

It says it’s an ingot, but it looks rough, like concrete. And why the asymmetric shape? David Soderblom Baltimore MD USA drs@stsci.edu

Would a large load like this have been included in a regular train, or would it have required it’s own engine and caboose? David Soderblom Baltimore MD USA drs@stsci.edu

Their symmetry also suggests something to do with a very large magnet. David Soderblom Baltimore MD USA drs@stsci.edu

I find it interesting that the “ATSF" and number were sprayed onto the steel diagonal braces. That seems very unusual, and I don’t recall seeing that before: the reporting marks were always on the sid

Someone please explain the 2-inch lettering above the “L&N” in the second panel: “RR-soemthing-something.” That stencil is a new one for me. https://realstmfc.groups.io/g/main/attachment/164854/0/96pa

I noticed that the boxes/crates appeared to be strapped, presumably to reduce, um, side effects such as pilferage. David Soderblom Baltimore MD USA drs@stsci.edu

Radial roof, right? David Soderblom Baltimore MD USA drs@stsci.edu

This follows on from the discussion of sill steps being bent inwards. I couldn’t help noticing the D&RGW box. By rights it should have been a common occurrence, but it wasn’t. You just don't see them

An interesting detail: the cars are aligned side to side, but spaced apart, requiring each one to be decoupled. There would have been good access for carts and trucks on the opposite side. It depends:

More than track work, that is a scene worth modeling: mud, uneven ties, ruts, grunge between the rails, ... David Soderblom Baltimore MD USA drs@stsci.edu, 410-338-4543

Back in the 1960s I did a technical drawing of P&SR 48, a boxcar body my brother and I found on a side road in Sonoma County from our detailed measurements. I’m happy to share, but first I find it as

Now that is a girder! Note the brake wheel is nowhere near the end… David Soderblom Baltimore MD USA drs@stsci.edu, 410-338-4543

Details: Why the 3-link chains on the ends? What are the ~3/4-inch rods on the ground? What’s the lading? Limestone? David Soderblom Baltimore MD USA drs@stsci.edu, 410-338-4543