QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy Check out Wes Reminder's Conrail Site. He's got EVERYTHING you could want to know about the OCS: Prototype:http://www.trainweb.org/conrail/cr/ocs.htm Modeling (HO):http://www.trainweb.org/conrail/models/ocs.htm
QUOTE: Originally posted by Mark300 Athearn's #1870 - Std observation undec looks pretty close to the Conrail Exec Cars of the 80's and early 90's. Enclose the back end with clear plastic and you'd have the 'Theater Car' effect where the execs could sit and watch the roadbed and right-of-way pass in any weather. The office I worked in back in the '80's was next to the former PRR mainline near Paoli PA. I saw the Conrail Exec Car pass a number of times along with the usual Amtrak and SEPTA passenger trains. They were purchased from other roads (SP in Conrail's case). If you can find a photo and the prototype exec car has a rounded roof then Walther's heavyweight series will work too. I was struck by the bright red end-of-train-lights and can't remember much about the undercarraige or roof. See if you can get an 'Undec' model since they are easier to paint, decal and otherwise detail. I'm not sure which if the 'take-over' RR's (NS or CSX) got the Conrail Exec car(s). My hunch would be CSX since they still maintain a large stable of passenger cars. Recent issue of Trains Magazine featured a CSX passenger charter to the Superbowl in Jacksonville FL. I have, however seen a NS exec car so possiblities exist. Maybe some of the CSX or NS modelers might know. HTH. Happy RR'g Mark