Can anyone tell me if the IHC Penn Central passenger cars ever really existed on the PC. The IHC cars are nice looking but I don't every remember 2 of anything matching in a PC Consist.
leewal Can anyone tell me if the IHC Penn Central passenger cars ever really existed on the PC. The IHC cars are nice looking but I don't every remember 2 of anything matching in a PC Consist.
Rich
Alton Junction
Since this thread has been quiet, I ask what livery is the IHC cars you have?Presuming streamlined/lightweight cars, a simple search showed models have black roofs, Jade green band along the windows, and the "Penn Central" name in white on a black background at top - kind of like late NYC passenger livery (such as it was) but NYC didn't seem to have that green window band. Is that what you have?Searching quickly thru the RR image archive for PC Passenger you can get close but not quite there (also, some images on there are as "Amtrak" not PC...well, PC passenger service more or less lasted only 3 or so years till Amtrak).
Leewal, I can't say anything about the IHC cars, having never seen them. If you want to model Penn Central passenger cars look at models of the New York Central, Pennsylvania and New Haven cars on the market because if accuracy is important, that is where Penn Central got its cars.
Since you mentioned the IHC cars, one thing is for sure, PC never ever had any DOME CARS. Low clearances around Grand Central Station and Washington's Union Station prohibited this.
So drop the dome, it's incorrect for PC. The only road back east to have dome cars was the B&O. not the NYC/PRR or NH. it was B&O.
Some of the IHC cars were based on PRR prototypes - the observation and 10-6 smooth side sleepers IIRC. I believe the sleepers made it to PC. PC also purchased some ex-UP coaches.
Some of the Walthers offerings are good PC stand-in cars. The stainless coach and diner are ex-NYC prototypes, and made it to PC. PRR cars are also available here. If resources permit, these are better models IMHO.
Happy railroading.
Check the Keystone Crossings website for good information on ex-PRR cars.
If you can get the book Penn Central Color Guide to freight and Passenger Equipment by James Kinkaid that should help you alot. As a side note, alot of the cars stayed tuscan red with PC heralds.
cs48 (Mike W.)