TKM No. 51 10-07 PDF

Number 51
October 2007
Modeling the PRR’s Box Car Fleet Part 5 - the X56 Prototype Overview and Part 5A Modeling.
Modeling the PRR’s Baldwin RS-12, Class BS-12as
Readers’ Gallery – Open & Covered Hoppers
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
1
OCTOBER 2007
A publication of the PRRT&HS for the purpose of disseminating PRR modeling information.
Copyright © 2007 The Pennsylvania Railroad Historical and Technical Society – All Rights Reserved.
May be reproduced for personal use only. Not for sale other than by the PRRT&HS.
Editor - Al Buchan abbuchan1@comcast.net
Associate Editor - Jack Consoli jjconsoli@comcast.net
Assistant Editor - Jim Hunter jhunter@iupui.edu
New Products and Product Reviews Editor - Greg Martin tgregmrtn@aol.com
Chairman Modeling Committee - Elden Gatwood Elden.J.Gatwood@sad01.usace.army.mil
Send comments and corrections to the Editor at: abbuchan1@comcast.net
Manuscripts and photographs submitted for publication are welcome. Materials submitted are considered to be
gratis and no reimbursement will be made to the author or the photographer(s) or his/her representative(s). The
Society reserves the right to reject, for any reason, any material submitted for publication. Please contact the editor
for information and guidelines for submission. If you submit photos send, preferably at 800x600, not less than
640x480 preferable in TIFF format. Statements and opinions made are those of the authors and do not necessarily
represent those of the Society.
Cover Photo – Top, Elden Gatwood’s Stewart HO-scale class BS-12as. Elden Gatwood photo. Middle, Tom Haag’s
reworked Branchline HO-scale class X56. Tom Haag photo. Bottom, Larry Lawler’s Atlas HO-scale class H42.
Ben Hom photo.
OFFICERS
President
Vice President
Corresponding Secretary
Corporate Secretary
Treasurer
Publisher
General Counsel
Archive Director
Marketing Director
Membership Coordinator
Public Relations
Table of Contents
Alan B. Buchan
John J. Consoli
Ken Kobus
Robert D. Brubaker
Edward Swain
Frederic V. Shaefer
James G. Trope
Robert L. Johnson
Fred Freitas
Andy Hart
Stan Trzoniec
3
In The Printed Press
4
…at the Interchange by Greg Martin
4
Updates and Errata
8
Modeling the PRR’s Box Car Fleet Part 5 – Class
X56 Prototype Overview by Ben Hom
8
Modeling the PRR’s Box Car Fleet Part 5A –
Class X56 Modeling by Tom Haag
16
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Modeling the PRR’s Diesel Fleet the Baldwin RS12 – Class BS-12as by Elden Gatwood
25
Term Expires 2008
Charles Blardone, Jr.
Ivan E. Frantz, Jr.
Term Expires 2009
Alan B. Buchan
John J. Consoli
Ken Kobus
Term Expires 2010
Robert D. Brubaker
James B. Winslow
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
Editorial
PRR Open & Covered Hoppers Readers’ Gallery
By Ben Hom
32
2
OCTOBER 2007
Editorial
some on the STMFC list have said. And, just as if I told
you not to vote for a specific political candidate, you can
either take my advice or ignore it. I'm sure many people
who wanted the model ignored Greg’s comments.
Well, the ARM representative thought my reply was
“crap.” Then one of his ARM fellows (who BTW is a
PRR modeler but not a Society member) thought my
reply was “ignorant” and said that he thinks he’ll "vote"
not to join the Society, and also will suggest to other
model railroaders, they boycott TKM. That of course
is his choice, but frankly it pains me to think that an
adult would reply in such a childish manner. I don't
have to remind you, the reader, that TKM is free and that
we take no advertising dollars. Thus, this fellow, acting
as if he were an advertiser bullying a publisher about a
"bad" review, completely missed the point. We at TKM
are free of the fetters of the advertising dollar and we
will continue to bring you the most accurate information
that we possibly can, regardless of whom the truth
offends.
We are certainly sorry that some individuals
misinterpreted Greg's comments regarding the ARM/RC
X29 offering as "bashing" ARM. We have the highest
regard for what the ARM has done both with respect to
prototype preservation and offering unique models. Our
contact at ARM has indicated that ARM was unaware
that models previously ordered by and promised to other
dealers were used to make up ARM's orders. When the
story was printed, Greg, as well as RC dealers were also
not aware that RC would be running additional models
to sell through their regular dealer network. However,
we stand by the fundamental core of Greg's comments.
We as modelers can only show our approval or
disapproval of business practices that hurt local dealers
through our purchasing decisions. It is unfortunate that
ARM has found itself in the position of retailer of these
cars and may suffer some collateral damage, however
that does not change the fundamental issues involved.
Perhaps this can serve as a cautionary tale to all of us,
including ARM.
Now I hope we can move to higher ground.
For those of you who were impressed with Andy
Rubbo’s PRR catenary article he will be appearing at the
Philadelphia Chapter’s October 6th modeler’s meeting,
which begins at 11:00 am in the Drexel Hill United
Methodist Church, presenting a program titled
Cringeless Catenary Construction. Part 2 of Andy’s
catenary articles should appear in November’s TKM.
Those of you who follow the discussions of the
Steam Era Freight Car List (STMFC) are aware that
some folks at the Amarillo Railroad Museum (ARM)
were upset that Greg Martin, in his August column when
referring to the Red Caboose (RC) X29 patch-repaired
body with the REA scheme said, “What a bust for the
dealers when Red Caboose released the entire run to the
Amarillo Railroad Museum for retail sales. I will be one
that will be personally holding off on the offering and
many of you might consider the same so we can see our
PRR products enter the normal channel of distribution.
They have effectively just taken your local hobby dealer
out of the loop. What a boon for Red Caboose and what
a disaster for their dealers and wholesale distributors.
It’s easy enough to vote with your dollars here folks.”
We resolved the issue in an amicable fashion with
Red Caboose through a series of emails and jointly
decided to move to higher ground.
In his September column Greg stated, “For those
interested in the past release of the PRR X29 with ‘patch
panels’ and plate ends in the popular Railway Express
Agency livery, you will need to contact The Amarillo
Railroad Museum direct for current availability as at last
inquiry the supply was extremely limited, and their
contact information can be found on the Red Caboose
website.”
I thought we had accomplished the same with ARM,
also through a series of emails and Greg’s comments
above. However, following release of the September
issue, a representative of ARM determined that he was
not satisfied and was disappointed that I had not said
more about the incident.
I replied that I felt that sufficient time had passed and
we had already resolved the specific issues with the
individuals involved. Thus, I decided it was best to let
the matter die and not be dredged up again to become the
issue-du-jour.
As I went back several times to read Greg’s original
August comments I found they were nothing more than a
personal recommendation about how to vote on
acquiring this model, and in the process, to send a
message to the manufacturer (RC). I didn’t find anything
negative about ARM or about boycotting ARM, like
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
(Note: The opinions expressed in this editorial and all
other articles of this publication are those of the authors
and do not reflect the position of the PRRT&HS.)
Al Buchan
Editor
3
OCTOBER 2007
In The Printed Press
¾ PRR Modeling
• MODEL RAILROADER (MR) October 2007
Not received at press time.
• MODEL RAILROAD NEWS (MRN) September 2007 (Now in magazine format)
Not received at press time.
• RAILMODEL JOURNAL (RMJ) August 2007
Not received at press time.
• RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN (RMC) October 2007
See below.
¾ Other Railroad Modeling
Information pertaining to other railroad equipment of interest to the PRR modeler.
•
WAB, 40’ HO-scale boxcar Speedwitch Media product review, October RMC pp 101-103.
¾ Other Items of Note
•
•
Building a Hulett ore unloader, October RMC pp 78-86.
Al Parker’s Sandusky coal dumper, October RMC pp 112-113.
…at the Interchange -
New Products and Product Review
by Greg Martin and Jerry Britton
another project. For the Keystone Modelers there is a
wealth of good information, especially in the books that
the PRRT&HS currently offers. Some answers will be
found in non-PRR specific books but I would highly
recommend the basic PRR specific books for most
answers. If you run into a dead end, there is always the
Internet. With a good search engine like Google, you
may find the answers there. Then there are a host of PRR
specific newsgroup lists and of course the PRRT&HS
hosts a Discussion Web on the national website. But let
me emphasize that nothing replaces your own private
library and your library should include some material
other than PRR specific subject matter like the “Bible on
PFE Reefers”, PACIFIC FRUIT EXPRESS; Anthony W.
Thompson, Robert J. Church and Bruce H. Jones;
SIGNATURE PRESS.
Our publication, THE
KEYSTONE MODELER, is also a good research tool and
should be part of your library as it provides information
specifically focused on modeling. Another obvious
addition to your library should be THE KEYSTONE,
which is a generous offering as part of your membership
in the PRRT&HS. So without doubt I recommend you
join and again add to your library. As I always say,
“Feed Your Head”.
Well it is officially fall, the time of the year we
generally associate with heading inside and starting our
serious modeling on these now-longer nights. I believe
we all get more work done this time of year. Fall is also
the official kick-off of the Prototype Modelers Events,
the first being the Western Prototype Modelers meet that
occurs on Saturday October 6th. My personal opinion is
that switching this event from Sunday last year actually
may have increased the attendance. I made it to the
event the first time since leaving Southern California,
making the journey and meeting up with our old
“GANG of FOUR” and a few other friends whom I
believe hadn’t made the event in years. I had very little
issue with the TSA and traveling with my models: I
think the worst of it was simply the handling of them on
my own part. Later this month the Sunshine Prototype
Modelers Meet will go off as usual in Naperville, IL and
this year I am planning on being there as I haven’t made
the trip in several years and I do love Chicago and this
event just makes it that much better. So, if you haven’t
made one of the various Prototype Modelers events
across the country, then it is about time you break down
and “get’er done”. You’ll actually be glad you did.
This is also OUR TIME when we find some time to
relax in our favorite chair and do our research, to plan
our fall/winter projects. I find that my library is one of,
if not my most valuable, tool in my modeling. Not only
does it inspire new work, it also answers all those simple
questions that one might stumble across before starting
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
4
OCTOBER 2007
machined flywheel, well detailed shell with separately
applied detail parts including grab irons, handrails, lift
lugs, see-through etched metal side carbody grills and
fan grills and more. It will also offer; constant intensity
directional lighting and lighted number boards, prepainted and installed crewmembers, and knuckle
couplers.
The units are expected in November and you will
need to reserve your units as soon as possible.
BRANCHLINE TRAINS
http://www.branchline-trains.com/
PRR Class X43 40-foot 7-foot Single Door Boxcar
HO Scale Assembled
During December of 1950 the PRR began taking
delivery of 500 new 40-foot freight cars from Greenville.
The cars were in number series 603500-603999 and
where delivered with 10-panel riveted sides, a 7-foot
single doors, a Stanray diagonal panel roof and 4/3/R
dreadnaught ends. The cars are some of the most
difficult of which to find in-service photos. They were
delivered in the Circle/Ball Keystone paint scheme.
Although the class was a rather small run of cars, most
of them did last into the PC era.
Later this fall, Branchline will offer this class of PRR
40-foot boxcar car as a built-up completely assembled
offering. The car will be offered in the as-delivered
Circle Keystone scheme with four separate numbers,
metal wheel sets and Kadee Metal Couplers.
FENCEHOUSES MODEL FOUNDRY KITS
Contact: Bob Jones rvjones@lineone.net
PENNSYLVANIA RR Class 110P75 Phase2 Tender
HO Scale Brass Etching Body Wrap
Leave it to our Keystone Modeler friends across the
pond to truly teach us Yanks a thing or two about our
modeling and our skills. John just let us know that a
good friend of his, Bob Jones, is developing a valuable
new brass etched K4 110P75 phase 2 tender etchings.
John was good enough to post it on his website for
newsgroup members to review and critique and of
course our own Bruce Smith shot the first shot across the
bow. So even though this drawing of the etching looks
good there are some minor changes needed before we
will be able to start wrapping our Bachmann tender
shells with this beautiful etching. The idea here was to
create a brass “wrapper” that would correct the
Bachmann K4 tender. With some minor tweaking from
FENCEHOUSES these wrappers will much improve my
two Bachmann tenders along with the article written
some years ago by Kris Kollar in Mainline Modeler it
should just about put the Bachmann K4 with some of the
more current offerings. Just take a first look…
PULLMAN
STANDARD
Plan
3973/3973A
Heavyweight 10-1-1 Sleeper PRR #8651/La Reine
HO Scale Kit
Pullman Standard built 117 cars to plans 3973 and
3973A to the 10-1-1, or 10 section, 1 drawing room, and
1 compartment configuration. The car names for this
plan are likely some of the most colorful, many being
great American Indian Chiefs. After the Pullman
Standard divestiture the Pennsylvania acquired just one
car in this configuration and it was PRR #8651 and
named La Reine.
Branchline is scheduled to release this car this fall in
a variety of railroads including the PRR car. It will be in
kit format and will feature, an extremely detailed body
shell, full interior, individual grab irons, correct air
conditioning systems (where appropriate), complete
underbody equipment including brake gear, battery
boxes, tool boxes, generator, air reservoirs, steam traps
and car end steam/air and signal lines, coupler cut bars,
cast coupler yoke, safety chains, working diaphragms,
body mounted couplers and accurate six wheel trucks
with blackened metal wheels. They will be decorated in
the proper post war PRR livery as well.
BROADWAY
LMITED/PRECISION
CRAFT
MODELS/BLUELINE
http://precisioncraftmodels.com/
PRR Class EF-15 & EF-15a EMD F-3A/B & F-7A/B
HO Scale
Broadway Limited Industries under their BlueLine
division will release the second run of their PRR EMD
F-7A/B in PRR livery. The BlueLine is the new division
of BLI/PCM that utilizes their proprietary DC sound
system and the DCC plug with no DCC decoder. The
locomotives will feature; a 5-pole can motor with a
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
5
OCTOBER 2007
the lead truck and the fuel tank. I actually believe that
this feature was never tooled for the FP-7 and we as
modelers will likely have to add the Cal Scale part.
Just a reminder that on the eve of the FP-7
production, InterMountain will also be releasing their F7 in PRR livery. Look for them near Thanksgiving.
INTERMOUNTAIN RAILWAY CO.
http://www.intermountain-railway.com/
Fruit Growers Express/ Western Fruit Express 40foot Refrigerated Boxcar HO Scale
As a student of Fruit Growers Express and the
consortium of the FGEX/WFEX/BREX companies I am
only now studying the works of Bill Welch and a
handful of others. I can tell you that in 1921 the
consortium designed and began to build cars of a
standard “company” design follow recommendations
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for maximum
utilization of the cars. There were some non-standard
issues with these cars as the cars built during this period
would have three distinct underframes: those with no
visible side sill, those built with a 4-inch side sill and
those built with a 6-inch side frame; but the goal of
building cars with a riveted straight center sill had been
achieved. A particular feature with these cars was their
12’ 1-9/16” height from the rail to the top of the eave.
As my teacher Bill Welch will tell you in the future
many of these cars will undergo changes in that will
most notably include taller doors. The FGEX cars were
built in series 32100 to 35999 and the WFEX cars were
built in series 65000-66349 and the quantities of the cars
were maintained well over 3700 and 1300 respectively
until 1948 when many, but not all, of the cars would
begin undergoing rebuilding and renumbering.
InterMountain has just released their long awaited
FGEX/WFEX 12’ 2” prototype reefer to represent cars
matching the prototype explained above. They will offer
this car in two FGEX and two WFEX paint schemes and
six separate numbers for each to cover both an earlier
and later era for the modeler. The cars will be preassembled and ready to run. This car fills a major void in
the PRR modeler’s car fleet as the cars lasted well into
the late 60s, albeit their numbers did wane after the midfifties when the mechanical cars began to render the
wood cars obsolete. These cars would be seen in PRR
trains with fruit and produce from the south, generally in
FGEX cars, as well as fruit and produce from the West
Coast in WFEX cars. The car fits behind a PRR M1 as
well as an SD-45 as long as the car is in appropriate
paint.
LIONEL MODEL TRAINS
http://www.lionel.com/
PRR Class H43 100-ton 3-bay Hopper O-Gauge
During 1964 the Pennsy turned out the first 100-ton
3-bay high capacity hoppers. The H43 was delivered in
series 180000 to 181999, an amazing two thousand cars.
They were delivered in the all black with plain keystone
scheme and yellow ball. This yellow ball (sometimes
seen with a black dot in the center) suggests that the car
was in unit-train service. They would last well into the
CONRAIL era and beyond.
I am not sure how we missed this car’s release earlier
this year but our reader Mark Massa brought it to our
attention and gave us a short review from a modeler’s
prospective, “This I a new hopper made this year and is
nearly on the money.” He goes on to say “Even the car
numbers are correct…” and “The only minor issue is the
mounting of the air reservoir (shows two plastic stubs
mounting to the bottom beam instead of the bracket) and
the lack of a full scale bolster (to accommodate the
Lionel die cast sprung trucks with rotating bearing caps
and oversized flanges).” The car features operating
couplers, spring die cast trucks with rotating bearing
caps, opening hopper doors, super detailed scale
proportioned body with many separately applied details,
hidden uncoupling tabs, and a removable coal load. It
was designed from all new tooling and is decorated in an
accurate PRR paint scheme. They are available as
individual cars or in three-car packs.
M.T.H. PREMIER LINE
http://www.railking1gauge.com/
PRR Class B28 U.S.R.A. 0-6-0 Shifter O Scale/Gauge
M.T.H. is now shipping their latest steam offering of
the USRA 0-6-0 PRR B28 shifter in O Scale/Gauge. The
locomotive is offered in nine different paint schemes
including the PRR. The locomotive will be offered in 2rail or 3-rail Hi-Rail version or scale wheels with your
choice of AC or DC operation because of MTH’s
patented Proto-Scale 3-2 technology and Proto-Sound
2.0 electronics. The model will have a die cast chassis,
truck side frames, boiler and tender body, separately
applied details such as piping, handrails and grab irons,
bell, air pump and more. They are also offering constant
lighting, working back-up tender light, a lighted cab,
glowing firebox. The tender and roof hatches will open
and the windows will slide. It will also include
synchronized smoke/sound, remote controlled coupler
Update: PRR Class EF-15a and EFP-15 EMD F-7
and FP-7 HO and N Scale
Last month we reported that InterMountain was
releasing its second run of FP-7A/B and this time in the
Tuscan Red and 5-stripe paint scheme. There were
questions regarding the details that are signature to the
PRR units and were missed on the first release, such as
36-inch dynamic brake fans, vertical side body louvers,
passenger pilot, and the vertical Farr grille work, and the
answers to the query were favorable but no mention of
the water tank that the PRR units uniquely had between
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
6
OCTOBER 2007
pick-up, a five pole skew-wound motor, constant
directional lighting, with separate applied road specific
details. We should look for delivery during the first
quarter of 2008. On a personal note the original Walthers
H-10-44 will be tough to top as the smoothness of the
ROCO designed drive gave smooth, quiet operation.
and crew figures as well as MTH’s Proto-Sound 2.0 with
the digital command system.
TICHY TRAIN GROUP
http://tichytraingroup.com
PRR Style Catenary Insulators HO Scale
Tichy has just released their new PRR style Catenary
insulators and they are available molded in gray styrene
on a sprue of 6 pieces and are cored for .025” wire or
smaller. They will be packaged as (#8158) with 24
pieces per package or for the serious electrification
modeler (#8158B) as a 600-piece package. The
insulators can be trimmed for less total insulators. Al
Buchan put a message out to Andy Rubbo regarding the
new offerings and here are some thoughts from his
message, “In my humble opinion, those are the best HO
scale insulators available for modeling PRR. Scale size
is right on at about 10 scale inches in diameter and the
shape and profile is very close if not exact…” Now this
is from someone we at TKM regard as the “Catenary
Man”…
PRR Class X29 40-foot Boxcar HO Scale GOLD
LINE 3-pack
For as long as most of us can remember there has
been an offering of the Walthers (nee TrainMinature)
X29 40-foot boxcar. These latest cars, what may very
well be the final release of the WKW X29 boxcar will be
offered in a three pack including on car painted in PRR
REA paint scheme, PRR Shadow Keystone with
“calendar” lettering (sk1a), and PRR Shadow paint
scheme (sk1b). The cars are ready to run, featuring metal
wheelsets and knuckle couplers. Although there are
better examples of HO Scale X29 boxcars now on the
market, these cars have been the mainstay for folks
modeling in a club layout setting and these cars are
painted and lettered in genuine PRR liveries.
W. K. WALTHERS
http://www.walthers.com
PRR Class FS-10 Fairbanks Morse H-10-44 Shifter
HO Scale
Beginning in June 1948 the Pennsy began taking
delivery of 23 class FS-10 FM H-10-44 shifters. These
locomotives were assigned to suppress the fires on many
of the H-10 class 2-8-0 steamers in the western end of
the PRR system; the deliveries would continue until
November of 1949 and accomplished the task. Most of
these locomotives would spend their entire lives holding
down switching service on this end of the system. The
first batch of locomotives from order number LD-50 was
somewhat different than the others to come along later.
First they were some of the last units built with the
Westinghouse 125-volt electrical control system and
were delivered with what is referred to as the phase 2c
carbody. A spotting feature for this first batch of H-1044’s was the three handrail stanchions on the end
platforms. The later units were all delivered with the
AAR’s recommended practice 75-volt electrical control
system to allow for MU capability, this was the largest
single order of this type that FM would ever sign up. In
1949 the PRR would negotiate two more orders of FS10’s with Fairbanks Morse.
Walthers is no stranger to this locomotive and has
announced the release of an all newly tooled FM H-1044 with a complete new drive in their Proto 2000 series:
were not talking a re-tooled version of the previously
offered unit. Their new offering will also be available
with sound and DCC, or a straight DC unit without
sound. The new unit will have the now Walthers adopted
standard of 14:1 gear ratio trucks, helical gears, all wheel
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
PRR Class ERS-15a EMD SD-7 HO Scale PROTO
2000
In October of 1953 the PRR took delivery of two
specially equipped SD-7’s to be used in dedicated
service on the 5.89% grade ascending Madison Hill on
the Ohio River. These specially ballasted locomotives
had a tractive effort of 90,000 lbs. and were restricted to
8 mph. The locomotives were designed with a unique
rail washing system that washed debris off the tracks
ahead of the lead trucks.
Walthers has announced the release of this very
unique PRR locomotive this month. The modeler will
have the option of Sound and DCC/DC or no Sound and
straight DC with a DCC plug installed. The locomotives
will feature constant directional lighting, five-pole skewwound motor, machined brass flywheels, and all wheel
pick-ups and PRR livery.
We are at the close of another month and the
beginning of another. There seems to be lots of PRR
related products steaming at us. The demands of summer
are now gone and we can relax and model and take in
one of the Prototype Model Railroad meets that are
offered up this time of year. Research seems to be high
on some folk’s list and I recommend it. So as we close
let me invite you all back to meet with Jerry and I right
here …at the Interchange
Keep ‘um Polished
Jerry Britton and Greg Martin
7
OCTOBER 2007
Updates and Errata
Updates
•
Catenary Construction Article
Jesper Reinfeldt, a new member from Denmark, was
having difficulties equating Andy Robbo’s use of the
Special Shapes Company H5, H3, A1, T2 etc.
nomenclature as he said they don’t use these terms on
their website catalog. So Andy provided the following
conversion information • Columns:
H5 = 5/32" (1'-3" HO)
H4 = 1/8" (1'-0" HO)
H3 = 3/32" (9" HO)
T's:
T2 = 1/16" (6" HO)
T1x = 3/64" (approximately 4" HO)
• Angles:
A1 = 1/32" (3" HO)
These dimensions are from the printed catalog (albeit
from some years ago). I'm pretty sure all these are still
available. If you need any further information or
clarification, don't hesitate to contact me.
Modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Box Car Fleet
Part 5 – Class X56 Prototype Overview
by Tom Haag and Ben Hom
PRR 88472, Class X56. Mike Bradley photo.
cushioning device required extended draft gears that
necessitated end crossover walkways and ladders at
all eight positions at each corner of the car. Unless
otherwise noted (see sidebar), all cars were equipped
with Evans DF Loading Devices (AAR car class XL)
and were rated at 140,000 pounds capacity. These
cars were normally assigned to haul auto parts, with a
significant number of them specially equipped with
rack to haul a variety of parts from body panels,
axles, wheels, and batteries (AAR car class XP). All
cars were delivered in the Plain Keystone paint
scheme and included the chrome yellow CUSHION
CAR lettering.
The PRR’s Samuel Rea Shops built 500 class X56
series boxcars in 1963. These cars were divided into
five subclasses that included class X56 (8825188500), X56A (88501-88625), X56B (88626-88725),
X56C (88726-88749) and the single car class X56D
(88750).
These cars were built using the standard PRR 14panel riveted boxcar body and were the last PRR 50
foot cars built with interior side-posts. The X56
series boxcars featured improved Dreadnaught ends,
15 foot wide double door openings, 15 inch deep side
sills, an “overhanging” ZU-section eave Stanray roof,
and a cushioned underframe.
The hydraulic
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
8
OCTOBER 2007
Class
X56
X56A
X56B
X56C
X56D
Table 1: PRR class X56 and subclasses, 1963-1968
Series
Jan
Apr
Jan
Jan
Jan
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
88251-88500
250
250
249
248
247
88501-88625
95
125
125
125
125
88626-88725
100
100
100
99
99
88726-88749
24
24
24
24
24
88750
1
1
1
1
1
Apr
1968
246
125
99
24
1
PRR 88404, class X56, Ft Wayne, Indiana, September 4, 1980. Alan Gaines photo, Fallen Flags Railroad Photos website.
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
9
OCTOBER 2007
The following cars in class X56, X56B, and X56C were rated at 154,000 pounds capacity:
• X56: 88228, 88352, 88363, 88369, 88378, 88417, 88432
• X56B: 88678, 88681, 88705
• X56C: 88740
PRR 882xx, class X56, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, July 17, 1992. Mike Wingard photo, courtesy of Rob Schoenberg.
88502-88565 (non-consecutive)]. Some of these
received a full LV paint scheme, while others only
received LV initials with the PRR and keystone
painted out. The LV used these cars in paper and
processed food service.
The Pennsylvania Railroad controlled the Lehigh
Valley during the 1960s, and transferred equipment
between the two railroads on several occasions.
Twenty six class X56A cars were transferred to the
Lehigh Valley, retaining their PRR numbers [LV
LV 88501, ex-PRR 88501, class X56A, Newark, New Jersey, August 28, 1983. Karl Geffchen photo, Fallen Flags Railroad
Website.
These cars saw service beyond the Penn Central
merger, serving their new owners in PC green and
Conrail red; several cars survived into the 1980s in
full Pennsy paint as seen in the photos in this article.
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
At least one Class X56A boxcar survived in revenue
service as recently as 2005 fitted with Hennessy
Slidewell power assists on its doors.
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OCTOBER 2007
CR 213768, class X56A, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, June 18, 2005. Mark MacDougall photo, from the Conrail Cyclopedia
website, courtesy Bob Waller. The large wheels on the side of the car are Hennessy Slidewell power assists, intended to
help workers open difficult doors instead of damaging them by using forklifts.
Additional photos of these cars can be found in the Morning Sun PRR, Penn Central, CNJ/Lehigh Valley, and
Conrail Color Guides.
Table 2: Published Photos in Morning Sun Color Guides - class X56 and subclasses
Car
Class
Date
Reference
Page
Number
PRR 88259
X56
c. 1/1963
PRR Color Guide Vol 3
65
PRR 88281
X56
c. 4/1963
PRR Color Guide Vol 2
52
PRR 88563 X56A
c. 3/1963
PRR Color Guide Vol 2
53
PRR 88580 X56A
9/1/1981
PRR Color Guide Vol 2
53
LV 88504
X56A
10/5/1985
CNJ/LV Color Guide
97
LV 88510
X56A
3/24/1973
CNJ/LV Color Guide
97
LV 88530
X56A
CNJ/LV Color Guide
97
PC 271837
X56
c. 8/1968
PC Color Guide
51
CR 271229
X56
5/9/1987
67
CR Color Guide
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
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OCTOBER 2007
PRR 88387, Class X56 (Mike Bradley photo).
PRR 88387, class X56, Fairborn, Ohio, May 1986 Gary Stuebben photo, Fallen Flags Railroad Photos website.
Acknowledgments
Mike Bradley, George Elwood, Nick Fry (B&O
Railroad Historical Society), Alan Gaines, Karl
Geffchen, Mark MacDougall, Rob Schoenberg, Gary
Stuebben, Al Westerfield, Mike Winegard
•
References
• Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Freight Cars of the
1960s, Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, reprinted by
the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Historical
Society.
• CNJ/LV Color Guide to Freight and Passenger
Equipment, Craig T. Bossler, Morning Sun
Books, 1994.
• Conrail Color Guide to Freight Equipment 19761987 Volume 1, Larry DeYoung, Morning Sun
Books, 2000.
•
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
•
•
•
•
12
Penn Central Color Guide to Freight and
Passenger Equipment, James Kinkaid, Morning
Sun Books, 1998.
PRR Color Guide to Freight and Passenger
Equipment Volume 2, Ian S. Fischer, Morning
Sun Books, 1996.
PRR Color Guide to Freight and Passenger
Equipment Volume 3, Ian S. Fischer, Morning
Sun Books, 2002.
Conrail Cyclopedia website,
http://crcyc.railfan.net/
Fallen Flags Railroad Photos website, http://rrfallenflags.org
Rob Schoenberg’s Pennsylvania Railroad
homepage, http://prr.railfan.net
OCTOBER 2007
DF/DF-Type Boxcars
Confronted with growing competition from trucks during the 1960s, the railroad industry began shifting its focus
away from general service boxcars (“we’ll haul any load if you can find a way fit it into our boxcars”) to specially
equipped boxcars that attempted to cater to a customer’s specific needs. These included cars equipped with Evans
DF or similar loading devices from Transco or Spartan designed to reduce damage to loads. Unlike traditional
dunnage and bracing which had to be customized for each load, the DF equipment was an integral part of the car
and could be quickly rearranged to accommodate different loads. This illustration from a 1967 B&O Sales Manual
information sheet illustrates the basic components of a DF-type loading system:
Cutaway diagram of a car equipped with Evans DF loading equipment. (B&O Railroad Historical Society collection)
Basic features of DF-type equipment:
(1) Belt rails run lengthwise along the inside car wall. These are perforated to receive crossbars. Normally, DF
cars contain anywhere from 8 to 19 belts. (The Class X56 and subclass cars had 3 belts.)
(2) Crossbars extend crosswise in the car and lock in the belt perforations to brace and secure the load. They may
also form the foundation for a second or third deck. Depending on shipper specifications and the number of belts,
DF cars will carry between 25 and 80 crossbars.
(3) Doorway bars are simply extensions of the belt rails and are installed lengthwise across door openings to allow
loading in this area.
(4) Deckboards (or gates) are wooden platforms, used as bulkheads, or as flooring on extra decks.
ORERcheology:
Deciphering the Notes Section of the Official
Railway Equipment Register
In many instances throughout the North American
railroad car fleet, not all railroad cars in a given series
are the same. This was due to any number of
reasons: rebuilt cars within a series of older cars or
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
dissimilar replacements for wrecked cars were given
the same numbers; cars may have received new
trucks, increasing their capacity, or most commonly,
specific cars or groups of cars had special equipment.
There simply wasn’t room in the car table to detail
these differences, so the ORER listings directed users
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OCTOBER 2007
groups: 241 XML, and two groups 5 and 4 XAP. We
know that XML are cars equipped with loading
devices, and that XAP are cars equipped for auto
parts loading. The problem is there are several
different loading devices in service on the railroad,
and auto parts loading encompasses a pretty wide
spectrum.
to an appendix containing this information. This can
be somewhat confusing for the first time researcher.
We’ll go through the Class X56 listing in the April
1964 to illustrate how to decipher the ORER notes
section.
Here’s the listing for PRR 88251-88500, Class
X56. We see that this series is broken into three
To find out more details on these cars, we’ll need to
check notes 158, 37, and 29 in the notes section,
which is listed after the last page of the car tables.
(Notes are indicated by letters for ORER editions
through 1958.)
Notes 37 and 29 pertain to
more than one series of cars; the circled numbers
direct the user to the section of those notes pertaining
specifically to this series of cars.
We look up Note 158, which tells us all the Class X56 cars in PRR 88251-88500 are equipped with Evans DF
loading devices with three rows of perforated wall angles. It notes an exception for the cars listed in Notes 29 and
37. Let’s look up those notes.
Note 37 tells us that car numbers 88451, 88455, 88461, 88464, and 88471 are equipped with racks for hauling
automobile axles.
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
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OCTOBER 2007
Conversely, Note 29 tells us that cars 88276, 88441, 88443, and 88496 are equipped with automobile engine racks.
Cars specially equipped with auto parts racks were typically in captive service for a single customer, and could not
handle anything other type of cargo.
Special Equipment, Class X56 and subclasses
April 1968 Official Railway Equipment Register
•
•
•
•
Class X56
Bulk Bins (XL): 88420
Automobile Axle Racks (XP): 88388, 88451, 88455, 88461, 88464, 88471
Automobile Engine Racks (XP): 88276, 88381, 88441, 88443, 88496
Automobile Wheel Racks (XP): 88270, 88458
Class X56A
Automobile Transmission Racks (XP): 88501-88520, 88522-88550, 88555-88559, 88562-88565
Automobile Wheel Racks (XP): 88596-88600
Automobile Door & Parts Loading (metal rub rails and DF door members, XP): 88566, 88568-88572,
88574-88581, 88583, 88585-88592
Automobile Batteries (bulkheads, rub rails, door bar, XP): 88593, 88594, 88595
Automobile Axle Racks (XP): 88521, 88551, 88552, 88553, 88554, 88560, 88561
Automobile Wheels (floor spacers): 88567, 88573, 88582, 88584
Class X56B
Bulk Bins: 88627, 88632, 88663, 88707
Automobile Engine Racks (XP): 88679
TOTE BINS (28 containers/car, XL): 88641, 88642, 88648, 88649, 88652
Bulk Bins : 88684
Class X56C
Automobile Engine Racks (XP): 88749
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
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OCTOBER 2007
Modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Box Car Fleet
Part 5A – Modeling an HO scale PRR Class X56 Boxcar
by Tom Haag
Prototype photos by Mike Bradley, Model photos by the author.
PRR 88696, class X56B boxcar. Modified Branchline HO scale boxcar lettered with TH Decals custom printed by DM Custom Decals.
lengths of 0.030” x 0.030” styrene into the grooves
on the inside of the floor. These grooves were
molded in the floor to allow the doors to slide but if
left unfilled will result in weak points when the side
sill is removed around the wide door openings. Next,
remove the original side sills which is perhaps the
hardest part of the all the required modifications. Be
very careful while doing this so that you do not
remove any of the upper boxcar side as this will later
show up as gaps when the new side sill is installed. I
removed the original side sills by first shaving off the
lower door tracks (they will later be replaced), and
then scoring a line just below where the side sill
meets the body. I snapped off the original side sill at
the scored line then slowly and carefully removed the
remaining portions using a razor blade and sanding
sticks. Again, take your time here, as a neat job here
is the key to a good-looking finished car. The end
tabs that hold the stirrups should also be removed.
The late-era 50 ft boxcars of the Pennsylvania
Railroad are a challenge for the Keystone Modeler.
Few models are correct out of the box, and in this
case, no models of class X56 are available in HO
scale; however, a reasonable match can be made with
some work from the Branchline Hobbies 50 ft AAR
postwar riveted sides double door boxcar kit.
Converting this model to a class X56 boxcar is a
somewhat lengthy process but does result in a unique
PRR car. The rivet patterns will not match the PRR
car but since there are no other options short of
scratchbuilding that is a small discrepancy that I can
certainly live with.
Construction
Refer to the Bill of Materials at the end of this
article and note that construction requires parts from
no less than nine different manufacturers!
The most obvious modification to the car is
replacing the Branchline side sill with the deeper
PRR version. Before doing any cutting, first glue
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
16
OCTOBER 2007
PRR 88696, class X56B in the Conrail era. This is the prototype upon which I based my model.
Next comes the addition of the new side sills. For
these I used 0.020” styrene; to ensure that the top
portion is square, I used new sheets of styrene with
the factory cut side of the sheet being the side that
gets attached to the carbody. Scale templates of these
side sills are available from me. Just send me a selfaddressed stamped envelope to the address provided
at the end of this article.
After the side sill was removed, I then added the
improved Dreadnaught ends to the carbody. For a
good fit I enlarged the alignment holes on the ends of
the carbody to 3/16”, removed the raised numbers
present on the inside of the dreadnaught ends, and
finally sanded off any imperfections on the carbody
edges. Attach the ends making sure that they are on
evenly, square, and that there are no gaps near the
top.
Under construction shot showing new side sill and Moloco roof.
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
17
OCTOBER 2007
The new lower door track is now installed and this
is made from a scale 32-foot length of 0.020” x
0.030” styrene. The 0.020” side of this material is
glued to the top edge of the new sidesill. The door
reinforcement gussets located below the door tracks
are added using 0.005” styrene sheet. These gussets
are 10” high and 30” long.
On the ends of the car, a 10” long section of scale
1” x 4” is attached to the right side sill and a 12” long
section of scale 1” x 10” is added to left one. A
vertical section of scale 2” x 10” is added on the left
side for later mounting of the coupler lift bar.
Carefully lay out the dimensions from the template
onto the styrene and then cut out the new side sills.
Once they are successfully formed, glue the side sills
to the carbody ensuring that they are centered and are
just slightly inset from the carbody side. I used
0.040” x 0.040” styrene backing between the side sill
and the floor to add strength and to ensure that the
new sidesill remains straight and square in relation to
the carbody. Again take your time here and check
and double check your work as you glue the side sill
to the carbody.
PRR 88330, class X56 in the Conrail era showing the end details and deep side sill
box and car floor for securing the coupler boxes with
a second screw.
The Branchline underframe is added next but
some trimming of the ends of the center sill (because
of the new coupler boxes) and trimming of the
stringers (because of the new sidesill supports) are
first required. Because the new side sills hide most
of the underbody detail the only upgrades to the
underbody was changing the direction and location of
the brake reservoir. I reused the Branchline reservoir
by cutting off the modeled on piping, drilling #78
holes for later installation of piping, and trimmed
flush the two small mounting nibs. To support the
reservoir, I added a short section of 2” x 10” flat to
the center sill and two small sections of 2” x 10”
added flush to the inside of the side sill and sitting on
the 0.040” x 0.040” backing. The reservoir is then
installed on these supports.
If you are happy with the fit and finish of the side
sills, then it is time to add the extended draft gear to
the car. I like the new near scale extended draft gear
now available from Details West. Assemble them
according to the instructions. However to allow
smooth movement of the Kadee #158 couplers I have
found that it is necessary to file down the pad on the
top of the draft gear lid to allow adequate, free
movement. Just file a little bit at a time and test with
a Kadee coupler in place. File the pad until satisfied
with the coupler movement.
These coupler boxes are attached to the car by 080 screws and Branchline already provides
convenient, tempting mounting holes. Unfortunately,
they are located a little too far out from center, so I
first plugged these holes with some stretched sprue
and once dry I drilled a hole just inside of the
plugged hole. One screw does not seem to hold these
on very well so once the coupler box is secured and
centered so I drilled another hole through the coupler
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
18
OCTOBER 2007
Underbody shot of car showing the relocated brake cylinder and sidesill supports.
eight positions at the four corners of the car and the
kit only has ladders for two of the corners. Because
of these problems, I used Detail Associates 8-rung
ladder that are also better detailed than the stock
Branchline ladders. One pack has enough material
for one class X56 boxcar. However, the mounting
pegs do not line up with the Branchline ladder holes
so an alternative means of attachment must be made.
I filled all of the ladder and grab iron holes on the
sides and ends of the car with stretched sprue and
then cut and smoothed the filled holes. Next, I glued
6-inch long sections of 0.020” x 0.020” styrene strips
to the back of the ladders to act as mounting pads.
The ladders that are attached to the ends of the car
only require these strips be applied to the outer sides
but they do need to be positioned so that they will
line up with the end corrugations. Attach the ladders
to the car, making sure to use the wider ones on the
car sides and narrow ones on the ends.
The next step is optional but I replaced the
Branchline overhanging roof with a similar one
available from Moloco. While I feel that the Moloco
roof is better detailed than the Branchline roof the
main reason that I used it is that it results in a betterdefined roof overhang.
To allow the triple valve to sit a little lower (due
to the lower sidesill) the Branchline mounting pad
was first covered with two layers of 2” x 10”. Once
dry this pad was drilled through and then the
predrilled (#78) Branchline retaining valve was
installed. Detail Associates 0.015” wire was then
installed between the reservoir, cylinder, and triple
valve. This piping is barely noticeable and I am not
sure if it plumbed correctly but it looks OK to me.
Because of the extended draft gear the X56’s had
crossover platforms on both ends of the car. For this
detail I added Plano parts. I found out the hard way
that temporarily removing the draft gear makes this
job a lot easier! The Plano part includes a drilling
template that makes adding these parts relatively easy
to do.
Adding the ladders took a little more work than
originally planned. The class X56 cars, like most late
era PRR boxcars, had 8-rung ladders. Branchline
sometimes includes this style of ladder in their
boxcar kits but they are not as well done as the 7rung ladders that are always included.
The
Branchline 8-rung ladders also seem to have excess
flash and often the mounting pegs are broken off.
Another problem is that these cars had ladders at all
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
19
OCTOBER 2007
Overhead view of PRR X56B showing the Moloco roof and Plano running board.
template). Next position the template so that the bolt
holes are centered on the rivets that are centered
above the bolsters. Use a pin to mark the bolt hole
locations on the styrene underneath and then drill the
corresponding #77 holes for the bolts. Add and
secure the Tichy rivets. When drilling the holes for
both the stirrups and bolts take care that they are
lined up parallel with the side sill. Looking at my
model I think I used rivets that are a little too big. I
would use the 0.025” size on my next model and that
is the size I have listed in the bill of materials.
I used Kato ASF trucks with Kadee gray 0.010”
washers under my X56B. PRR drawings of these cars
indicate that they were equipped with 36” wheels but
from photos I could not tell conclusively if they all
had 33” or 36” wheels. However as far as I know
there are no correct HO scale friction bearing 100-ton
trucks out there so the Kadee truck is an acceptable
compromise.
Add the remaining parts such as the brakewheel
housing (drilled to accept a Kadee brakewheel),
routing boards, end grabs (0.012” wire sitting on
short lengths of 1” x 2”), a defect car holder (0.20”
styrene rod) located on one side of the car, a Plano
brake wheel platform, and finally the nicely detailed
Kadee brake wheel. Note that the Branchline angled
retainer pipe line needs to be straightened to clear the
crossover platform. I installed the top portion of the
plastic retainer line and then added a length of 0.015”
wire to complete the line.
If you go with the Moloco roof option, there are
two things that need to be done to the carbody to
allow proper installation and fit of the roof. First, I
added lengths of 2” x 6” styrene along the inside and
flush with the top of the carbody. This will ensure
that when the roof is installed it comes out centered
and the car sides remain square. Next, to properly
raise the roof off of the carbody, I glued 2” x 2”
styrene on the top inside surface of the top eave.
These should be cut a little long so that some
overhang remains on each end of the car so it can be
trimmed to size later. Now on the top of the ends add
short lengths of 2” x 6” styrene between the added 2”
x 2”s. I scribed a line in the middle of the 2” x 6”
and then bent it slightly to match the roof angle. The
2” x 6” should fit snug between the added 2” x 2”
strips. Once dry, trim the 2” x 2”s and then sand the
joint smooth between the 2” x 6”s and the top of the
ends. The roof is then secured in place but make sure
that you add the weights first! I used Walthers Goo
to secure the Branchline weights (steel nuts) in place.
Now it is time to add some more of the details. I
added Tichy stirrups to the bottom of the ends of the
side sill. They are not quite correct but they are the
closest that I could find. The X56s also had six
prominent bolts that attached the side sills to the
bolster. These can be added to the model by using
the X56 side sill template that has the bolt hole
locations marked. First cut the template out of the
sheet (I found it easier to position the template onto
the model if I only used a small section of the
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
20
OCTOBER 2007
A-end of class X56B model.
B-end of class X56B model.
platforms before installing them on the roof. I used
short sections of 2” x 4” and 0.020” x 0.030” styrene
to support the end platforms off of the roof surface.
Finally the last detail to add are the Plano coupler
cut levers. These are the same style of levers and
brackets that are included in the Rail Yard Models
X58 and look really good with the extended draft
gear. To install, follow the Plano instructions and use
ACC to attach the bracket to the previously installed
bracket support. Next drill a hole with a #78 bit
centered on the lower front of the draft gear lid.
Then carefully thread the cut lever bar through the
bracket and the other end to the hole in the lower
draft gear lid.
If you used a Moloco roof then add the Plano
roofwalk brackets. Follow the Plano instructions for
adding these but just make sure that all of your
required holes are drilled as close to the centerline of
the roof as possible. Brackets are also required to be
added to the ends of the roof but make sure that the
holes are drilled at least 1/8” from the ends. I also
used the Branchline end roofwalk supports. Once the
brackets are installed, I used 30-minute epoxy to
secure the main Plano roofwalk to the brackets and
supports. To ensure proper alignment, I used
masking tape and a pile of pennies to hold the
roofwalk in place until the epoxy cured. I used
0.012” wire for the corner grabirons which, by the
way, are much easier to add, glue, and trim to the end
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
21
OCTOBER 2007
End view showing the Plano Cut Levers and Bracket
painted with a black asphalt sealer but for the era that
I am modeling (1976) a well-weathered roof showing
most of the bare galvanized roof is more appropriate.
To represent this I used a 50/50 mix of Polly Scale
Stainless Steel and Reefer Gray.
For years, accurate PRR plain keystone decals for
lettering PRR boxcars were simply not available,
which was a huge hole for PRR modelers of this era.
While I model the 1976 Conrail era, PRR boxcars
were still seen in large numbers and the lack of PRR
boxcars in my trains just did not look right. Tired of
this lack of PRR decals, I finally designed artwork
and had DM Custom Decals print a set of PRR PK
OK, that was a lot of construction work but now it
is time to just sit back and enjoy your new X56 for a
little while before heading to the paint shop!
Painting, Decaling and Weathering
The first step in the painting process is to give the
car a coat of primer so that the entire car has the same
neutral color. I used Polly Scale Light Undercoat
Gray. Next paint it in your favorite version of PRR
Freight Car Color. I used my standard 1960s PRR
Freight Car Color of Polly Scale Italian Camouflage
Brown mixed with some Zinc Chromate Primer.
These cars appeared to have the roof originally
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
22
OCTOBER 2007
I followed PRR lettering diagrams and photos to
letter my car. While lining up the decals just keep in
mind that the rivet patterns on the model do not
match the prototype X56 so do not use these as
guides. Also, please note that I somehow missed
adding the “NEW” lettering to the capacity data to
my decal artwork; I did find the appropriate lettering
in a Microscale Trailer Train decal set. Since I model
the early Conrail era I also added ACI plates
(Microscale) and consolidated stencils (available
from the PCRRHS).
boxcar decals that I also made available for purchase.
After the second run of this decal set was sold out, I
decided to add some extra data to the set and this
time I added the yellow CUSHIONED CAR lettering
which would allow the lettering of the X56 class (and
others classes equipped with cushioned underframes)
to be modeled. I was very pleased with the way the
completed decals turned out and these revised decals
are also available from me. (See the Bill of Materials
at the end of this article for ordering information.)
PRR 88444, class X56. Note the weathering patterns along the rivet lines.
Weathering of the car consisted of highlighting
the rivets and weld lines using Sanford watercolor
pencils (Dark Umber, Dark Brown, Sienna Brown,
and Terra Cotta). These pencils were also used to
add door scratch marks, rust spots, and general
weathering. A final coat of airbrush weathering
completed the car.
After decaling was completed, I applied a clear flat
finish to my car. I used Polly Scale Flat but be
cautious here as it appears that Polly Scale Flat is
now being made to a new and not improved formula
that can cause some serious white cloudiness to the
finish. In the future I will probably use Testors
Dullcote for the final clear coat.
Side view of my class X56B model showing the weathering patterns.
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
23
OCTOBER 2007
This PRR class X56B boxcar is now ready to haul auto parts! The car will look great running behind brand new
PRR GP35s and U25Bs, behind run-down PC units, or even fresh and shiny blue Conrail units!
One last thing…. a number of PRR boxcars used the same side sill as the X56. The non-cushioned class X55
double door boxcar was very similar to the X56. Hmmm…all I would need to do is create another decal set for the
Shadow Keystone scheme and I am on my way!
Bill of Materials
Branchline Trains
http://www.branchline-trains.com
• 1100 Undecorated Double Door Boxcar
Detail Associates
• 6241 8-rung Ladders
Details West
http://www.detailswest.com/
• 1025 Scale Cushion Draft Gear
Evergreen Scale Models
http://www.evergeenscalemodels.com
• Styrene Sheet
o 0.005” thick styrene
• Styrene Strip
o 0.020” x 0.020”
o 0.020” x 0.030”
o 0.020” x 0.030”
o 0.030” x 0.030”
o 0.040” x 0.040”
o 1” x 4” scale
o 2” x 2” scale
o 2” x 6” scale
o 2” x 10” scale
• Styrene Rod
o 0.020” styrene rod
Kadee
http://www.kadee.com
• 158 Scale Whisker Coupler
• 2035 Modern Brakewheel
• 209 Gray Insulating Fiber Washers - .010”
Kato
http://www.katousa.com
• 31601 ASF A-3 Ride Control Trucks
HO scale PRR Plain Keystone Decals, (enough to
letter two 40’ and/or 50” boxcars) and the yellow
CUSHION CAR lettering is also available (enough
for one car). If you want the PRR X56 sidesill
template, let me know and I will include it with the
decals. If you just want the template, just send me a
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
Miscellaneous
• 0-80 screws
• 0.012” wire
• 0.015” wire
Moloco
• 801 50’ Stanray Overhanging Diagonal Panel
Roof
PCRRHS
http://www.pcrrhs.org/store.html
• PCH-6 Supplemental Data
Stencil Decals)
(Consolidated
Plano Model Products
http://www.planomodelproducts.com/
• 194 50’ Apex Etched Metal Walkway
• 200 Boxcar Roofwalk Brackets
• 367 Crossover Platforms
• 12002, 12003 or 12004 Coupler Cut Lever
Bars with Hangers
Testors/Floquil
http://www.testors.com
• F505286 Italian Camouflage Brown
• F414293 Zinc Chromate Primer
• F414134 Undercoat Light Gray
• F414296 Stainless Steel
• F414116 Reefer Gray
Tichy
http://www.tichytraingroup.com
• 8018 Scale Rivet Heads (0.025”)
• 2007 Stirrup Steps – Short Straight Side Mount
self-addressed envelope. Above available from Tom
Haag, 351 Whitney Chase Drive, N. Huntingdon PA
15642-1962, haagtk@aol.com
Acknowledgements
Mike Bradley, Don Manlick
24
OCTOBER 2007
Modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Diesel Fleet
The Pennsy’s Baldwin RS-12 class BS-12as
by Elden Gatwood
All photos by the author.
a converted P70 coach. 8975 was an interesting
animal, featuring a steam generator, no m.u.
capability, and light road capability. While not that
numerous on any railroad, the RS-12 would make an
ideal light passenger switching or road service
engine, or even, sans steam, a light road switcher for
small local freights.
This article on modeling engine 8975 was also
meant to give you ideas on options for engines that
feature both the key elements of the prototype,
sufficient to make it a convincing model, but also
feature “survivable” details, to absorb the ravages of
challenged operations in a layout environment.
Introduction
This month, I figured would be a good time to talk
about another theme and subject. This one will focus
on the Pennsy’s Baldwin RS-12, or in their parlance,
a BS-12as (Baldwin, Shifter, 1200 h.p., with the “a”
referring to a second and slightly different model
from the plain BS-12 (S-12) shifter, and the “s”
referring to its steam capability). I would also like to
talk about the compromises you have to make on a
“working” versus a much more fragile fully-detailed
model (like my AS-616); this being the former. This
model was created to survive the rigors of real
operation, in this case that of my young son, and
features a number of “correctible” compromises that
can be re-done at a later date, when rough treatment
becomes less of an issue. Some of you might also be
in this same boat using your equipment on club
layouts, where it does not necessarily get the same
kind treatment you might give it yourself.
The Baldwin RS-12 was a real oddball on any
railroad. It was virtually a cross between a switcher
and a road switcher, having elements of each. The
RS-12 featured a fairly standard Baldwin switcher
long hood, grafted onto a longer light road switcher
frame, with AAR Type B road trucks, and a short
hood that could accommodate a steam generator, if so
desired. The RS-12 was the direct descendant of the
DRS 4-4-1000, which was designed with exactly
those objectives in mind. With a steam generator,
this model served as a passenger yard switcher, most
of the Pennsy’s being assigned to the large Chicago
yards of the PRR. Engine number 8975 was,
however, most famous for its assignment to the
“Pemberton Local”, a New Jersey branch operation
that ran well into the 1960’s in push-pull service with
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
The Prototype
The class BS-12as engine on the Pennsy was the
successor to the BS-10as, which was intended for the
same general service, as a steam-equipped passenger
yard switcher and/or light passenger local engine. It
featured Baldwin’s newer 606A diesel powerplant, in
virtually the same body as its earlier manifestation.
The long hood was almost identical to Baldwin’s
standard switcher hood, but a short hood was added
behind the cab (the long hood end being designated
as the front of the unit). The short hood on this
prototype featured a steam generator, with a short
stack, and louvered side doors. The water fill was
mounted in a door on the rear. The frame was
constructed long enough to accommodate both hoods,
and the unit mounted road-capable AAR Type “B”
trucks, capable of sustained high speed operation on
the road. The fuel tank was slung in the traditional
location between the trucks, with a fill on either side
of the unit. Handrails ran down either side of the
long hood, with frame-mounted handrails running
25
OCTOBER 2007
these can be added later, when desired, I felt, without
the danger of mis-matched paint or other problems.
I began by getting together the necessary parts.
None of the parts mentioned were difficult to obtain.
The shell was detached from the frame for detailing,
but also so that the window glazing could be
removed. This was set aside.
The pilot stripes were cut out on their backing
sheet, and placed on the front of the pilot, to match
the photos of the unit in its later days. I used a metal
straight edge to get the two pieces to be virtually
mirror images of one another, and jockeyed them
around numerous times, before being satisfied that
they were ready to be set in place. A few judicious
cuts were made on the clear portion of the decals, to
ensure they would form around existing details,
particularly the poling pockets. The decals were
placed on a sheet of wet paper towel, before being
floated in place on the model. The end result is
shown below.
from cab to end on the short hood, and abbreviated
frame-mounted handrails with a single stanchion at
the end of the long hood. Triangular end rail
stanchion arrangements typical of non-m.u.-equipped
Baldwins were featured at either end.
Unit 8975 also featured a small radio box in front
of the cab on top of the long hood, and the Pennsy’s
signature Trainphone antennae, as befitting a unit
assigned to road service. It was the only PRR RS-12
so equipped. 8975 also featured pilot safety stripes,
another unique feature of this engine.
Later PRR RS-12’s did not feature steam
generators, and were purchased for light road freight
service, but were also bought after Baldwin’s
changeover from Westinghouse to GE traction
motors, a move that necessitated a slightly longer
frame. Later RS-12’s also featured a higher short
hood and larger side numberboards, features that
make them immediately identifiable as different from
the earlier group of RS-12’s that included 8975.
Modeling the Pennsy’s BS-12as 8975
Modeling the 8975 in HO was a fairly easy task,
given the existence of a pre-numbered Stewart model
with beautiful dimensions, appearance, and a fine
Kato chassis. The model continues to be available
through various outlets, but with a different drive. I
purchased mine some time ago, not knowing what I
would do with it, but eventually could not resist the
lure of numerous fine photos of this unit in the
Pennsy Diesel Years series.
Since I had no use for this unit in my western
Pennsylvania operation, I chose to create a model as
close as I could to the prototype, for my son to
perform local switching and light road service with,
but with several features designed to survive
operation by my son and others, on my layout.
Details I chose not to add now, but are capable of
being added later, included highly-damageable fine
dimension handrail sections, sunshades, fragile tank
and underframe details, and wind deflectors. Each of
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
I also added “FUEL”, “WATER” and “FIRE
EXTINGUISHER” decals, as indicated in the photos.
The “WATER” lettering goes on either side of the
water fill in the end of the short hood.
26
OCTOBER 2007
filled. When all stanchions were in place, each was
pressed home, and the pipe jockeyed into final
position. The stanchions were pushed into a vertical
position, then each locked in place with CA applied
from the inside of the shell. Each stanchion was then
checked again for verticality, then cement was
wicked into the pipe/stanchion junction, with a small
pin tip drop of thin CA .
A long hood top equipment box was created from
a block of styrene, and filed until it closely resembled
the visual dimensions of its counterpart on the
prototype. I mounted it with a small drop of rubber
cement, so I could remove it and alter it if I found
plans for it at a later date.
A steam generator top access door was fashioned
from .040” sheet, using the general dimensions of the
existing model hatch as a guide, and enlarging it to
suit. I rounded the top edge, to match the appearance
of the prototype. Then a PSC steam stack was
mounted in hole drilled in the general location of
where it appeared in photos. Again, since I had no
plans or close-up photos, I created this whole
assembly using judgment, and again, mounted it with
a small drop of rubber cement, so I could remove it
and alter it if I found plans for it at a later date. The
use of the rubber cement also allows for some “give”
should it be knocked about in operation or re-railing.
Once the decals appeared to be as close to perfect
as I could place them, I set them in place using
Microscale’s “Micro Sol”. These were allowed to
dry for several days before beginning work on the
rest of the details.
The frame was detailed with a fuel fill on either
side of the tank. I used the Details Associates EMD
filler, but rounded the square filler base by mashing it
in a set of small pliers. These were mounted by
drilling suitable holes through a thin styrene sheet,
for durability, before mounting the sheet on the
frame.
Next, the shell was drilled for all handrail holes, with
a number 78 bit. Drop grabs were mounted as
indicated in the photos, but those on the pilot were
not mounted at this time.
Cut lever holes were also added. These specific
finer details are not at risk, and would also be more
problematic to blend in at a later date, so I did plan
for them now.
Trainphone mounting holes were drilled,
according to the Cal-Scale directions. Stanchions
were pre-drilled, then set aside. The .019” “pipe”
was pre-bent; one for the short hood and one for the
long hood. The appropriate number of stanchions
were then slid onto each wire, and the inner stanchion
pressed into its hole. Each successive hole was then
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
27
OCTOBER 2007
The Trainphone receiver was obtained from a CalScale PRR plastic cabin antenna set. Both holes were
drilled, then it was installed ahead of the equipment
box.
A Details West metal bell was added to the
underframe just behind the front step on the left side.
The pin was cut off and the base flattened. The
underframe was notched so it would fit where it
shows in photos. You can also see this in the photo
of the left side of the unit.
Note: In taking the photos, I almost dropped the
unit and grabbed it at the last second. I inadvertently
bent the handrail behind the cab, which you can see
the results of. I did not notice it until after I had
taken the photographs. My apologies!
The horn was created from a Utah Pacific fivechime, with the two rear-facing trumpets cut off.
This closely resembles the Pennsy’s use of the three
front-facing trumpets with the longest one in center,
so obvious in photos of road units, and this specific
option is more durable than the more fragile Details
Associates or other individually-mounted trumpets.
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
28
OCTOBER 2007
was added last with a bit of wire to hold it to the
brake lever. It can be removed by pulling of the end
of the wire, so chassis maintenance can be
performed.
A brake chain take-up pulley sheave and chain
were added to the right side under the cab. I made
the pulley and sheave from scraps of styrene and a bit
of wire. The chain is from Builders-In-Scale, and
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
29
OCTOBER 2007
Finally, #78 holes were drilled for a set of the short
A-Line windshield wipers, but they were not installed
until later.
Painting, Lettering, and Final Assembly
Given the quality of the furnished paint job, I
chose not to repaint the engine, but only to touch up
details using a bottle of Floquil Brunswick Green and
a fine (000) brush. This included the Trainphone
equipment, equipment box, fuel fills, and other small
details. The steam generator hatch was removed for
air-brushing, to ensure a smooth coat.
Pilot details were added, including the cut levers
and grabs. The corners of the handrails were painted
Chrome Yellow, with a mixture of bright yellow and
a couple drops of Orange. The entire shell was then
oversprayed with a protective coat of DullCote, in
preparation for weathering. The photos above and to
the right can be used as a guide to what is painted,
and where.
The window frames were painted Floquil Steel,
with this same small brush. Couplers were painted
with a light wash of Burnt Umber, to avoid gunking
them up. The coupler trip pin was also painted
Grimy Black, to make it appear somewhat less
evident.
If I eventually get to the point of not needing the
uncoupling feature of the trip pin, I will just cut them
off.
Brake pistons were highlighted by a bit of Steel on
the piston rod that goes in and out of the cylinder.
Weathering
Wheels were masked using masking tape. The
steam stack was initially painted a dark shade of rust,
and its center with Engine Black. The body was
masked to create the look of the prototype unit in its
later years. Baldwin hood units featured highly-rusty
long hood end, I would hazard, due to the high
temperatures around the radiator, and the high ranges
of temperature extreme this end of the engine
endured, with its subsequent effect on the paint.
The long hood top radiator grille was masked
entirely. The end result is neat; see below.
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
30
OCTOBER 2007
drybrushed.
The front grille was also lightly
drybrushed after the masks were removed.
The fuel fill cap was painted Signal Red. MV
lenses were added, with the centers drilled out for
later lighting. The wipers were added last to ensure
they didn’t get pulled off by the masking process.
A wash of rust was applied with a fine application,
between hood doors and other features. The engine
was then oversprayed with Floquil Grime and Earth,
over the entire body, with more Earth on the trucks,
tank and lower frame, and more Grime on upper
surfaces. The steam hatch was highlighted with
Grime to give the appearance of mineral build-up
from steam condensation on the hatch top and sides.
A heavier application of Rust was made at the
long hood end and hood top, to match the photos of
8975. Engine Black was sprayed directly down
(actually, the engine was laid on its side, and the
paint sprayed horizontally) onto the engine stack and
surrounding panels.
Masks were removed, and the unit left to dry, then
oversprayed with Dullcote to finish. This was
followed by some select highlighting. Water mineral
stains were brushed under the water fill in the end of
the short hood. The hinges and latches were lightly
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
Addenda
This model was an extremely fun project. No part
of it was that difficult, and it resulted in a highly
durable model that can be upgraded later with finer
(more fragile) details, if desired.
The running characteristics are superb, and I like
its weathered and blended appearance within the
larger layout scenery. I hope you give these fine
Stewart (now Stewart-Bowser) engines a try!
References
• Pennsy Diesel Years; Volumes 1 through 6;
Robert J. Yanosey; Morning Sun Books, various
dates.
31
OCTOBER 2007
Readers’ Gallery:
PRR Open and Covered Hopper Cars
by Ben Hom
All photos by author unless otherwise noted.
PRR 149720, Class GLC. Westerfield HO scale resin model built by Ted Fort. 2006 Valley Forge RPM Meet, Bill Lane photo.
PRR 715214 Class GLA. Bowser HO scale styrene model built by Tom Devenney. 2005 RPM East Meet, Pittsburgh, PA.
PRR 407096, Class H21. Bowser HO scale styrene model built by Tom Devenney. 2005 RPM East Meet, Pittsburgh, PA.
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
32
OCTOBER 2007
PRR 188000, Class H21A. Bowser N scale styrene model built by Dave Vollmer. 2005 Prototype Rails, Cocoa Beach, FL.
PRR 901072, Class H21A. Bowser HO scale styrene model built by Tom Devenney. (2005 RPM East Meet, Pittsburgh, PA)
PRR 174504 Class H21E. Kitbashed Bowser HO scale styrene model built by John Johnson. 2004 Sunshine Prototype
Modelers Meeting.
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
33
OCTOBER 2007
PRR 220149, Class GLD. Tichy HO scale styrene model built by Dick Flock. 2004 Sunshine Prototype Modelers Meeting.
PRR 220558, Class H31. Upgraded Athearn HO scale styrene model in progress by Steve Ross; note styrene rod replacing
prominent grabs, door locks from Bowser Class H21A kit spares, train line, and brake piping. 2005 RPM East Meet, Pittsburgh,
PA.
PRR 220879, Class H31B. Kitbashed Mantua HO scale styrene model built by Dave Messer. 2005 RPM East Meet, Pittsburgh,
PA.
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
34
OCTOBER 2007
PRR 257154, Class H34A. Kadee HO ready-to-run model weathered by unknown modeler. John Teichmoeller presented
modeling options and a bibliography for this class in the February 2004 issue of TKM. 2006 Valley Forge RPM Meet, Bill
Lane photo.
PRR 260248, Class H40. Upgraded Eastern Car Works (ex-E&B Valley) HO scale model built by Tom Haag. John
Teichmoeller presented modeling options and a bibliography for this class in the February 2004 issue of TKM. 2005 RPM East
Meet, Pittsburgh, PA.
THE KEYSTONE MODELER
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OCTOBER 2007
PRR 260022, Class H42. Atlas HO scale styrene model built by Larry Lawler. John Teichmoeller presented modeling options
and a bibliography for this class in the February 2004 issue of TKM. 2005 Prototype Rails, Cocoa Beach, FL.
Equipment Drawings from Microfilm
Copies of PRR equipment drawings are available from the Society’s microfilm collection. To order drawings, you
must know the drawing number and title. Ordering information and lists of arrangement drawings are available on
the Society’s website, www.prrths.com, under National Society, The Interchange. If you require a printed copy of
this information, please send your address and a check for $2.00 made out to PRRT&HS to: Richard C. Price, 779
Irvin Hill Road, McVeytown, PA 17051.
TKM CD Issues 37-48 and 1-48
A CD of TKM issues 37-48 is now available at $15.00 for members outside of NJ ($16.05 for NJ members); TKM
1-48 with over 1,500 pages of PRR information now also is available for $60 for members outside of NJ ($64.20
for NJ members). Send a check or money order in $US made out to PRRT&HS to Al Buchan, 785 Cornwallis
Drive, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054-3209. Each CD contains a very comprehensive index of all previous issues.
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THE KEYSTONE MODELER
36
OCTOBER 2007