I am painting a set of Walthers 86ft hi-cube boxcars for Pennsy, and I can't determine if they painted their roofs the same color as the rest of the body or left them in bare metal. Most of the photos I have been able to find of them are from trackside looking up; a few of them show a thin sliver of the roof surface, but I can't really tell if I'm seeing paint or rust:
http://rr-fallenflags.org/prr/prr125102wba.jpg
http://rr-fallenflags.org/prr/prr110197gea.jpg
I can't go by what the model manufacturers did, because the old Athearn Bluebox hi-cube roofs came painted in silver while the Walthers ones are boxcar red.
Can anybody tell me for certain whether prototype Pennsy hi-cube roofs were painted or not?
Thanks in advance...
-Ken in Maryland (B&O modeler, former CSX modeler)
Hi, Ken
The PRR Keystone Magazine Vol 48, #2 has a photo of an X60E built in August 1965 one of 46 cars built by P-S (#110444-110489). It shows a painted roof with small patches flaking off. Photo was taken in Enola on Aug. 26, 1972.
http://www.prrths.com/newprr_files/newPRRKeystone.htm
There were no other photos of the cars in this issue.
[edit] I have a drawing that was part of the Pennsylvania Railroad Compendium — Freight Car Lettering Arrangements 1954-1968.
In it is Tracing M-024-315 drawn on 9/21/1967 for all classes of X60 cars.
The only note on the print in regards to painting states "Body Color: Carhide Red"
Hope that helps you out,
Ed
gmpullman ... The PRR Keystone Magazine Vol 48, #2 has a photo of an X60E built in August 1965 one of 46 cars built by P-S (#110444-110489). It shows a painted roof with small patches flaking off. Photo was taken in Enola on Aug. 26, 1972. ... Hope that helps you out,
It absolutely helps me out Ed - that overhead photo is exactly what I needed to see but couldn't find in any of the "usual" places. Thanks so much for sharing it!
Looks like I'll be doing my models in Carhide Red...
CSX_road_slugLooks like I'll be doing my models in Carhide Red...
... and the stenciling on the doors has to be Hypalon Black!
Ken,
If you'd like, I can send you a scan of the drawing. There's dozens of little details and you'll be decaling 'til the cows come home if you try to do them all.
Don't forget to paint the retaining valve handle white!
Send me a PM with an email address if you're interested.
Have Fun, Ed