Santa Fe Fast Mail Trains

[Dragoon 45]

I want to build a Santa Fe Fast Mail Train circa 1950.  I plan on powering it with a PA-1 ABA set.  I have recently joined the Santa Fe Historical and Modeling Society but don't have access to their library yet.

From what Info I have been able to find so far the consist would include an SF RPO, a number of baggage cars which could be SF or surrounding RR's, Express Box cars, possibly some REA Express Reefer's, and some type of coach on the end for passengers.

My questions are would the SF RPO be a heavyweight or could it be any type of RPO?  Also I am assuming that the baggage cars could be anything although cars off of a named train would probably be rare.

I have tried Google searches for more info and haven't come up with much so far.  Also I am having trouble finding  N scale RPO and Baggage cars in Santa Fe.  Checked E-bay, so far with no luck.  Any one know a source for these cars?

[wabash2800]

Too bad Andy Sperandeo is retired form MR, otherwise he would pipe right in. He could probably answer your question. I think Andy still participates in some of the yahoo groups like railway ops. I don't know if he participates in the passenger car group but there has to be Santa Fe modelers there. The yahoo groups are great places for discussion and the sharing of knowledge. You get a mix of fans, modelers and real railroaders (or retired ones.) The passenger car group includes private car owners.

["JaBear"]

Gidday, are you aware of this site.....

http://santafe.gmbus.com/

Cheers, the Bear.

[Dragoon 45]

Yes I am aware of that site.  It does not address what type of RPO is used during the period I am looking for.  It just says RPO, not if it was a smooth side, HW, or what.

Thank you though for the reply.

[Dragoon 45]

I am not aware of the Yahoo groups.  I just got back into the hobby about 18 months ago after 30+ years in the military.  Do you have a url for them.  Thank you.

[wabash2800]

Sure. There are other groups there too, but here is the link for the Passenger Car List. You probably have to be membership approved but that is no big deal

 https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PassengerCarList/info

Victor A. Baird

www.erstwhilepublications.com 

 

Victor

["JaBear"]

In the site I originally referred you to, the notes for train #7 and #8 , October 1953 say, “Most Baggage and RPO cars are heavyweight, but not limited to that.  If available, a lightweight can be used.”

So lets follow the crumbs......

http://atsfrr.net/resources/Internet/Consists/07FstMl-52.htm

 

.....ah!

ATSF	79	Hwt	PS RPO 70-79

 

OK...

http://www.trainlife.com/articles/801/santa-fe-s-heavyweight-railway-post-office-cars

...et voila, some more information and even better, photos!.......

http://sdrm.info/roster/passenger/rpo74/

Cheers, the Bear. 

EDIT:

"Also I am having trouble finding  N scale RPO and Baggage cars in Santa Fe.  Checked E-bay, so far with no luck.  Any one know a source for these cars?"

 I don't know how far you want to go but......

http://passcarphotos.info/Varnish/M&R_Models.htm

http://passcarphotos.info/Varnish/M&R/60-168.gif

 

[Dragoon 45]

Thank You very much.  I did not see the note on the type of cars used. 

[Dragoon 45]

Victor, Thank you for the URL