Reworking "Castaways"

[rrswede]

In the past and again recently, I have purchased prewar "castaway" cars just to get parts. After receiving the cars, I have not been able to strip off what I wanted and toss the rest. After 70 or so years, I felt the cars deserved something better than the garbage can. Attached are a few photos of two cars that have been salvaged. They certainly were not professionally restored but I would like to think the cars feel pretty good about their current appearance.

I probably have at least a dozen or so "castaway" Baby Ruth freight cars, cabooses and ore cars that I plan to rework. I know the forum is composed of very creative members and am sure "rescuing" cars is not foreign to many. I'd like to see some photos of your "rescues" to give me some ideas to incorporate. 

Thank you, swede

[jwse30]

Great work! I especially like the Peter Paul car, as the graphics look more like the vintage of the car. Baby Ruth has had a monopoly on Lionelville for too long

 

J White

 

[Firelock76]

Very clever and well done!  Sure, why scrap 'em when you can restore them into "fantasy" billboard cars?

[LL675]

very nice work indeed!

 

[tinplatacis]

Might I suggest reworking a few into Medal of Honor cars, commemorating those who gave their lives in the noblest manner for their nation? I am currently working on the graphics for a set of passenger cars I intend to make centered around this concept.

[rrswede]

Thank you to those who have responded thusfar. I really hope there are more ideas like the one from tinplatacis. I will use his suggestion, perhaps on a caboose, and post a follow up picture.

swede

[balidas]

That's some great work! I agree that these things should be restored & preserved as much as possible. Maybe you can do some Dr Who cars.

[tinplatacis]

Those wouldn't be bad either. Maybe a Krillitain Oil car?