Prototype for Branchline 37-Foot Reefer?
First -- thanks to all who commented on the just-completed Branchline NWX 40' reefer. Encouragement always helps motivate the next one.
While on reefers -- I also have a Branchline 37' reefer kit that I would like to build into a credible model. Does anyone know the specific prototype behind the BL 37' kit?
In looking through my reefer books, there are several similar meat-reefers (Swift, etc.), but all seem to have some differences (door height, sidesill, etc.) from the BL model. A search of the STMFC archives didn't turn up a quick answer.
I'll appreciate any insights!
Thanks,
Bob Chapman
Branchline didn’t do 37 ft reefers in their line. Is this an earlier Branchline custom painted model (mdc) and not Blueprint. Can you share a pic?
Brian J. Carlson
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Brian J. Carlson, P.E.
Cheektowaga NY
To echo what has already been said, this does not sound like
'modern' Branchline. Back in the day they took other
manufacturer's kits, repainted them and released them under their
own brand. if possible a picture would be very helpful.
Fenton says:
Bob, I didn't know Branchline did short reefers.
Yeah, and it's quite a different kit from the 40-footers. Diecast floor, grab ladders molded to the carbody, etc. Makes me think of the old MDC kits.
Regards,
Bob Chapman
Bob,
Branchline also decorated other manufacturers kits, before they gave us their boxcars and Pullmans.
You probably do have a custom decorated MDC model.
Richard Hendrickson turned one into a gorgeous model of a truss rod Armour reefer, which he wrote up for RMJ about 30 years ago, and of which I am now the owner.
Regards,
Bob Heninger
Minot, ND
On Jul 18, 2022, at 2:51 PM, Bob Chapman <chapbob4014@...> wrote:
Fenton says:
Bob, I didn't know Branchline did short reefers.
Yeah, and it's quite a different kit from the 40-footers. Diecast floor, grab ladders molded to the carbody, etc. Makes me think of the old MDC kits.
Regards,
Bob Chapman
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Brian J. Carlson, P.E.
Cheektowaga NY
Maybe Rapido? They made undec kits as well as RTD models of the 37’ meat reefersJoe BinishBranchline didn’t do 37 ft reefers in their line. Is this an earlier Branchline custom painted model (mdc) and not Blueprint. Can you share a pic?
Brian J. Carlson
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Brian J. Carlson, P.E.
Cheektowaga NY
Just catching up with all the responses. Appreciate the Branchline history lesson!
Per request, here are photos of the kit (I had already stripped the vintage billboard paint from the carbody). The diecast underbody definitely has a MDC look.
I'll have to dig out Richard H's RMJ article -- sounds like just what I need to do prototype justice to the kit.
Thanks to everyone,
Bob Chapman
MDC/Roundhouse. I have some
Just catching up with all the responses. Appreciate the Branchline history lesson!
Per request, here are photos of the kit (I had already stripped the vintage billboard paint from the carbody). The diecast underbody definitely has a MDC look.
I'll have to dig out Richard H's RMJ article -- sounds like just what I need to do prototype justice to the kit.
Thanks to everyone,
Bob Chapman
It is nice that the ends and sides are separate. The MDC plastic is quite soft. Also, the Accurail 36’ underframe fits in well in lieu of the cast one.
I have used a couple of these for Swift cars for a clinic later this month at Collinsville.
Steve Hile
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 12:36 PM
To: main@realstmfc.groups.io
Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Prototype for Branchline 37-Foot Reefer?
Just catching up with all the responses. Appreciate the Branchline history lesson!
Per request, here are photos of the kit (I had already stripped the vintage billboard paint from the carbody). The diecast underbody definitely has a MDC look.
I'll have to dig out Richard H's RMJ article -- sounds like just what I need to do prototype justice to the kit.
Thanks to everyone,
Bob Chapman
On Jul 19, 2022, at 7:04 PM, Steve and Barb Hile <shile@...> wrote:
It is nice that the ends and sides are separate. The MDC plastic is quite soft. Also, the Accurail 36’ underframe fits in well in lieu of the cast one.
I have used a couple of these for Swift cars for a clinic later this month at Collinsville.
Steve Hile
From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io [mailto:main@RealSTMFC.groups.io] On Behalf Of Bob Chapman
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 12:36 PM
To: main@realstmfc.groups.io
Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Prototype for Branchline 37-Foot Reefer?
Just catching up with all the responses. Appreciate the Branchline history lesson!
Per request, here are photos of the kit (I had already stripped the vintage billboard paint from the carbody). The diecast underbody definitely has a MDC look.
I'll have to dig out Richard H's RMJ article -- sounds like just what I need to do prototype justice to the kit.
Thanks to everyone,
Bob Chapman
3:30 PM on Saturday. See you there!
Steve
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 6:49 PM
To: main@realstmfc.groups.io
Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Prototype for Branchline 37-Foot Reefer?
Steve. When is your reefer clinic? I want to be there for that
Fenton
On Jul 19, 2022, at 7:04 PM, Steve and Barb Hile <shile@...> wrote:
It is nice that the ends and sides are separate. The MDC plastic is quite soft. Also, the Accurail 36’ underframe fits in well in lieu of the cast one.
I have used a couple of these for Swift cars for a clinic later this month at Collinsville.
Steve Hile
From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io [mailto:main@RealSTMFC.groups.io] On Behalf Of Bob Chapman
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2022 12:36 PM
To: main@realstmfc.groups.io
Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Prototype for Branchline 37-Foot Reefer?
Just catching up with all the responses. Appreciate the Branchline history lesson!
Per request, here are photos of the kit (I had already stripped the vintage billboard paint from the carbody). The diecast underbody definitely has a MDC look.
I'll have to dig out Richard H's RMJ article -- sounds like just what I need to do prototype justice to the kit.
Thanks to everyone,
Bob Chapman
Bob, I think Brian might be correctFentonOn Mon, Jul 18, 2022 at 2:40 PM Joseph <Mstl852@...> wrote:Maybe Rapido? They made undec kits as well as RTD models of the 37’ meat reefersJoe BinishBranchline didn’t do 37 ft reefers in their line. Is this an earlier Branchline custom painted model (mdc) and not Blueprint. Can you share a pic?
Brian J. Carlson
--
Brian J. Carlson, P.E.
Cheektowaga NY
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