Truck configurations

[cabooseboy]

Where can i find information about which truck model/configurations/wheel sizes were installed on which type of freight cars? I am starting out again after a 20 yr absence and want to get it right the first time when building my freight cars......thanks!!!

[Sperandeo]

Hello "cabooseboy," "Model Railroader" published an article entitled "Modeler's guide to freight car trucks," by Jeff Wilson, in its December 2003 issue, page 72. (Back issues are available by clicking on "Our Store" above.) It identifies types of trucks and their uses, but doesn't tell which trucks go on a particular freight car. There were and are many variations based on the preferences of individual railroads and builders. Sometimes there were even variations among cars of the same class on a given railroad, particularly on large orders when the road might specify trucks from two or more makers. Trucks could also be replaced when cars were upgraded or rebuilt. To be certain you really have to know the particular prototype you want to model. So long, Andy