Bob and anyone else interested,

There are three flavors of Branchline. Originally they decorated and
sold kits from several manufacturers. These kits were of simple
(Athearn) to moderately complex (adding ladders and such) from E&C
Shops.
When they started manufacturing their own kits, the Blueprint series,
they went all out. Separate ends (4/4, r3/4 early, r3/4 late, Dartnaught
and Despatch [NYC]) and roofs (rectangular panel, diagonal panel,
overhanging diagonal panel and Despatch) are supplied. Undecorated kits
have all roofs and ends so you can build what you wanted. Decorated kits
have the roof and ends of the prototype. Bodies are available with
straight, tapered and tabbed side sills. Each sill type undecorated kits
and decorated kits with the prototype sills. They are very well
researched with input from some on this list, with credits on the
instruction sheets. They are not hard to build, but they take time and
care. The brake systems are nearly complete and require care removing
the remains of the "sprues" them and from ladders, grabs, etc. I bought
some on ebay; the seller had built one (quite well in fact) but it was
too much for him.
They also make the Yardmaster series with cast on ladders and grabs on
one piece bodies. These are of easier construction as a result.
If you have the tools needed and have patience, I highly recommend the
Blueprint kits. The Yardmaster kits are also good, just a lower level of
detail construction.

Doug Brown

PS AND they still sell KITS!!

Doug Brown wrote:
"[Branchline] also make[s] the Yardmaster series with cast on ladders
and grabs on one piece bodies."

Not quite. The basic design of the Yardmaster boxcars are the same as
the Blueprint series, with a central core of sides and floor with
separate ends, roof, and underframe.


Ben Hom

Thanks Ben. I don't have any Yardmaster kits myself, just several
Blueprint kits.

Doug Brown