I model in N-scale so I can not comment on your exact models of choice, although Athearn also makes the black CSX coalporters in N (and I acn't find them any more either!). You should be good to go, since there are always minor variations between cars of even the same model. In fact, if you look at any unit coal train, you will notice lots of differences in colors, ride height, fading, etc. For CSX unit coal trains, you would be doing good to mix in a few Conrail bethgons as well. Almost every CSX coal train I catch down here in Georgia running with CSX hoppers has a handful of Conrail brown hoppers mixed in as well. Jamie
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Hello All -
I would like an opinion regarding Bethgon Coalporters. I have numerous black CSX Bethgon Coalporters from Athearn. I would like to purchase more to create a larger train, however at this time, I am having trouble finding any Black CSX cars from Athearn (I have quite a few of the silver as well). My question is: if I were to buy Walther's Gold Line Bethgon Coalporters in CSX black (which are readily available), how well will they match up with Athearn's cars in the appearance category? I'm not too worried about reliably as I have both Athearn RTR cars and Walther's Gold Line, I'm just wondering how noticeable it will be that I have two different car manufactures in the consist.
If anyone with first hand experience would like to comment, I would appreicate it!!