I was given a collection of cars and buildings from a former model railroader. In the process of sorting through I found a bunch of Athearn 40' SD boxcar lettered GN 11582 in what is either mineral red or boxcar red. From my research this car is not accurate. (Cars in that series were Big sky blue.) Are these cars close to anything that would have been around post-merger? I have relettered cars frequently so that wouldn't be a major problem. As usual any assistance that can be provided would be most welcomed.
Scroll down the list. It shows 11375-11874 as red. Joe
http://www.greatnorthernempire.net/index2.htm?GNEFreightCars.htm
Unfortunately that's the wrong red. I would almost call the ones I have as boxcar red. The lettering scheme is also wrong for that particular car.
The list shows that number series constructed in 1948 and as such would definitely not be Sky Blue as built. Depending on how long the car was in service it may have eventually been repainted as a blue car or even had both shades of red during it's lifetime.
oldline1
Here is the picture of a boxcar in the series the OP mentioned from the link ba&prr posted:
From what the OP has said regarding the color it seems like Athearn may have been slightly red. From what I know about GN (which isn’t to much...) they d have many (or any) cars that were plain boxcar red in a similar lettering scheme.
If the OP could post a picture of his athearn cars that would be helpful. Also a good reference are the freight and passenger car guides (I can recall the specific names) for each railroad. If the OP is a GN fan that would be useful to invest in one of those.
EDIT I found this link to a GNRHS article on GN paint schemes, it may help, though the freight car section is far from detailed...
https://www.gnrhs.org/gn_paint_schemes.php
Regards, Isaac
I model my railroad and you model yours! I model my way and you model yours!
In the link which Isaac included, under "Freight Cars", brown or mineral red was the usual colour up until 1956.
While the vermillion red was introduced in 1956, that doesn't mean that all freight cars suddenly got re-painted. A car built in 1948 wouldn't normally be due for re-painting at that time.Apparently, steel freight cars built in the '20s were re-painted approximately every 10-15 years, and I would guess that a car built in the late '40s would likely be painted with a longer-lasting paint, due to technological advances. I couldn't find any data, but perhaps it was good for 20 years? Or maybe 25? I don't recall the era you're modelling, but if the late '60s or early '70s aren't it, then perhaps the Athearn cars, or at least the colour and/or lettering, are incorrect for your needs.
You could, I suppose, re-number a couple of them and downgrade them to MoW service, perhaps with some weathering or painted-out lettering where appropriate.
Otherwise, strip the paint (older Athearn paint is very easily removed with methyl hydrate - work in a well-ventilated area and wear nitrile gloves, as methyl hydrate can be absorbed through the skin.) and re-paint in the colour suitable to your modelled era.
If that's not an agreeable option, perhaps you could re-do them for another railroad or, if you have train shows in your area, sell them to someone who could use them. Lots of choices.
Wayne
Number 1: The Athearn Car is a complete Foobie. The Athearn car is a model of a 1937 AAR Mod Car with 10'6" Inside Height with 5 panels on each side of the door.. The GN Car with that number is a 1944 AAR with a 10' Inside Height and Six Panels on each side of the the door. Fortunately Intermountain makes the correct car and it came in many different paint schemes over the years.
Below are some pictures of models I have built, painted and decaled, about the only scheme I have not done is the as delivered Mineral Red.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
To answer the question of my timeframe it is post-BN merger to the Frisco merger. I was thinking that they were foobies. (A lot of BB stuff seemed to be.) I move the cars to a different sort pile. Thank you for all the assistance provided.