First post so here goes. I have a collection of HO engines and cars and would like to find a data base of who made what. For instance I have a lot of Revell cars and wonder if there are rare ones I've never seen.
So anyone have advice on where to find info like that?
First of all, welcome to the forums!
Here is a website I use for looking up historical data:
http://hoseeker.net/
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!
parmanI have a lot of Revell cars
Revell would date from the 1950s into the 60s.
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Welcome ! The web site that Rick links to is really great. Lots of info.
Another thing you can try, is just a Google (or your favorite search engine) search with the car your interested in as the seach topic. Or maybe just try a search for Revell model railroad.
I have a couple of bulkhead flat cars from Revell, and they look great even by todays standards. They even have sprung trucks.
Good luck!
Mike.
My You Tube
The Revell line did have some interesting freight cars, although not always correct models of actual cars but in the fashion of time for train-set quality cars, sort of a blend of several prototypes - and to my knowledge the tooling was acquired by Con Cor. I am pretty sure the gondola that Con Cor still offers is in fact the old Revell car, with updates to trucks and couplers and some different paint schemes. The flat car and stock car from Con Cor may also well be Revell originals. They don't seem to carry the Revell caboose which was a change of pace from other plastic cars of the time.
The fact that Con Cor can still sell those cars is a tribute to the original tooling. Fairly crisp detail and rivets.
Revell sold lots of trains, and with Con Cor picking up the tooling for many items, I don't think there is any particular collector value to Revell originals. Perhaps mint in box for certain types of collectors.
The Revell structures -- the enginehouse, barn, farm house, and water tank and yard tower -- are still prized by modelers for kitbash fodder, and the Revell Ford semi tractor trailer auto-loader is sought after by those modeling the 1960s. At one time Con Cor carried it but I cannot find it on their somewhat awkward website.
Dave Nelson