Looking for model of forty & eight boxcar from 1949 French "Merci" train

[Anonymous]

I'm looking for a model of the French Forty & Eight box car. This box car was used to transport troops to the front during World War 1 and 2. The box car could carry 40 men or 8 horses. In 1949 France sent 49 of these box cars to the United States to say Thank You "Merci" for food & supplies sent to France following World War 2. These box cars had plaques (on both sides) from all the providences in France and a diagonal board painted Red, White & Blue. The basic color of the box car was Gray. Many of the actual box cars are still on display around the US. The model is for members of a Veterans post that actually rode in these box cars in France. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tom

[Anonymous]

I am familiar with these cars. However, I don't think that there were ever models of them produced. I once did see a custom-made model of one on ebay quite a while ago. Of course, you could find a model of a car simmilar to the type and customize it to look like one of the Merci Train cars. There are many manufacturers of European rolling stock in all different scales, so I'm sure you could find something.

[jkerklo]

I don't know of any models, but if you want to scratch build or kitbash one, I have pictures of them, from WW II.

John Kerklo
TCA 94-38455
www.Three-Rail.com