So, I have 3 of the above mentioned well cars, and I hve two questions:
1. Are they accurate models at all?
2. They are missing some walkways and brake detail. I contacted athearn, but their prices are around $7.00 per part or set. Is there any cheaper place/way to get them?
I'm beginning to realize that Windows 10 and sound decoders have a lot in common. There are so many things you have to change in order to get them to work the way you want.
My go-to place for detail parts like walkways, etc.
http://www.planomodelproducts.com/intermod_scq.html
Athearn is probably going to be your cheapest.
Some times you can find parts on Ebay.
Mike.
EDIT: Maybe have look here, too:
https://ppw-aline.com/
My You Tube
Athearn doesn't make 53' well cars. So, no, they're not accurate models.
They make 40', 48' and 56'.
Ed
And if your truly looking for the accuracy and "prototypical correct", as most of your post seem to be asking, than do some research into what your looking for, and be prepared to spend the time and money on the "correct" details you think are missing.
Consider looking into the Diesel Detailer site, and seeing what modelers are doing over there. Along with Prototype Modelers.
If your BN well cars are colored red, than you'll want to weather them to the point of a brownish red, as the BNSF cars are.
Walthers, and Athearn did some "fantasy" paint schemes, to attract buyers.
Search for your prototype, and see what's really out there.
That's what most of the people who reply to "is it accurate", or "is this right", do before they reply to such post.
I did! I am finding that it is significantly harder to find prototype information for athearn BB than my other older brands. A small irony for those who don't like bachmann is that I bought their BNSF GP40-2 and it's roadnumber is spot on with a modern geep 40-2 that BNSF owns. It runs really nice too, but that is besides the point
*Sorry. They are actually 48' *
There are lots of compromises made from all manufacturers. You have to do the research, and decide what you want to do to make whatever prototype your following, correct. I think thats all part of the hobby.
Atlas locomotives are some of the closest to protoype, at least in the GP's.
I recently had to make a compromise on a C44-9W, Athearn, painted for the CN, that I wanted to detail. Athearn had the wrong cab, from the prototype with the name number, and the correct cab I would have had to get from Kaslo Shops, which the cost of cab, and necessary parts and shipping came to $40. I elected to keep the Athearn cab.
Freight cars, you will also make many compromises. There have been miles of threads in forums on who has the best and why.
Like I mentioned in a previous post, Athearn and Walthers are both guilty of some of the colors they come up with.
The models are accurate, though somewhat crude, models of BN 64003-64018.
A prototype photo:
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3410137
Thank you! I actually checked that website, but didn't find anything.