I think "based" is probably a good descriptor. It's similar to a Southern Pacific obs...
Thought I'd seen a pic of a similar early UP obs, but can't find it right now.
I suspect the "fins" were decorative, rather than functional. Would be interesting to find out.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
It shares certain elements with the famous observation built for the Chicago & North Western's "400." That obs had a slight bulge and overhang at the end of the roof -- the theory was that it created a wind stream that kept the back windows clean(er)
Dave Nelson
Did they ever make a similar ("boat tail") observation car as a 60 ft.er/shorty?
I'm desperately looking for something like it in 60 ft. if anyone can help. I thought of Con-cor and have poked around but haven't found anything.
Thanks, Jim
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
Capt. Grimek Did they ever make a similar ("boat tail") observation car as a 60 ft.er/shorty? I'm desperately looking for something like it in 60 ft. if anyone can help. I thought of Con-cor and have poked around but haven't found anything. Thanks, Jim
Jim, check out the Rivarossi observation cars on eBay.
Rich
Alton Junction
I am not aware of a 60' "shorty" streamlined observation car that has smooth sides. Mantua/Tyco makes or made a fluted side shorty 60' observation and I believe Penn Line or Varney made one as well -- again, fluted side, about 60' long. I have heard of some C&NW modelers who laboriously lengthen the Con Cor observation for their 400s, so I assume the reverse surgery is also possible to shorten it.
A careful worker could also take the Mantua Tyco plastic casting and sand away the fluted sides.
Except for the vista-dome car, the Con-cor 72' smooth-side cars are I believe all based on CNW prototypes as used on The 400, but shortened from 80' to 72'. The coach car's windows matches CNW coach and parlor car window spacing, and the observation car's tail end also clearly copies the CNW car's.
http://www.umcycling.com/cnw400obshubwdsw.jpg
Wow, fantastic everyone and special thanks for the info Stix. I can see there was a windshield wiper on the center window and a roof mounted AM radio antenna of the observation. Appears that the tail light over the lounge had a red colored lens and chrome basal around it. Love those little details.
John
Yes Jim, Tyco/Mantua, Varney, Penn Line and there was another outfit that started with an H that I can't quite recall at the moment, but all had somekind of 60 foot passenger cars for sale. Not very accurate in detail, but they were shortie and could operate on 18" curves with no problem. Oh, yea! I think Like-Like also had some 60 footer type passenger cars too!
ManOWar Yes Jim, Tyco/Mantua, Varney, Penn Line and there was another outfit that started with an H that I can't quite recall at the moment, but all had somekind of 60 foot passenger cars for sale. ... John
Yes Jim, Tyco/Mantua, Varney, Penn Line and there was another outfit that started with an H that I can't quite recall at the moment, but all had somekind of 60 foot passenger cars for sale. ...
John,
These cars are Herkimer cars also known as American Beauty. These are made of extruded aluminum. Tyco used a similar process on some of their cars. IIRC, these cars were based on NYC cars.
Carey
Keep it between the Rails
Alabama Central Homepage
Nara member #128
NMRA &SER Life member
The roof is also somewhat similar to the "Club" series of cars that ran on the NP NCL.