Easy Sharpening Up of your Passenger Car Interiors.

[robert sylvester]

 I have IHC, Walthers, Rivorrosi, Balboa brass, and others all with interiors and painted. The IHC interiors, I would spray a base coat (they are removable), then hand paint with variety of colors. Believe it or not I have several Athearn passenger coaches with interiors. Those are fun, they are a combination of white metal chairs, toilets, etc with cardstock to set up partitions and separate the vestibule. One of my favorites is the RPO, with the cubby holes for mail, as well as bags for mail. Walthers had sold these kits for years going back to the late 50's and early 60's. They had interiors for every Athearn car on the market. These had individual seats and interiors that you would glue on a base, styrene or balsa wood. By the way no need to add weight to the car after putting in these interiors. I don't know if Walther's even produces or distributes these any more. Of course they could be used in other brands.
My kitchens are painted stainless steel, there are cooks in the kitchen, waiters in the diner, then I cut seated plastic figures at the waiste (they fit better), and glue them to the seats. I also hand paint the figures.

Can you see very thing in the car, no, but I know it's there, but for the most part, as cars slowly pass through a town on the layout, you can see the painted, colorful interior and folks enjoying the ride and eating a meal.
Yard Master
WTRR

[Don Gibson]

simon1966. "What are you guys doing for wheels and trucks on the IHC models? The stock wheels and trucks have to be the worst made I have ever seen!"

The easiest solution for those 'cheap' IHC cars is their not-so-cheap metal passenger trucks ($25). They roll, add 'unsprung' weight, and get rid of those 'Talgo' mounted couplers (add body mount Kadee 40's).

Problem: is people not wanting $25 trucks for $8 car. (The car is just a painted shell). The trucks and couplers do all the work). - dg

[csmith9474]

I had some extra time on my hands last night and manually went through dozens of pages to find it. I myself want to keep around as many of the passenger car modeling threads as possible.

 

 

[AntonioFP45]

Thanks Csmith!  I thought this thread was lost.  I'll continue posting new info as I come across it.

 

Thanks!

[csmith9474]

This bump is for you Antonio (actually I follow this thread pretty closely myself).

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csmith9474

I am formerly enlisted. I did four active as a Cable Dawg, and then enlisted in the Texas ANG and cross-trained into combat weather. My wife is currently active duty, and is planning to retire at 20. After my wife got orders to the Academy I had to get out of the Guard, as much as I hated doing it. When we are done here she will have 12, so we will be over the hump!!

What my eventual plan is, is to slowly but surely replace all my plastic with brass. I like the brass car sides, but they still lack the level of detail that I want. I am really looking forward to the Indian artwork. I am trying to figure out a way to incorporate that into my TSP hi levels. I have heard that during refitting of the hi level cars, that the Indian artwork is still under the new paint/deco.

Ahhh, a 31 Lima. I was a 31C then changed to a 31L when my MOS was eliminated. I spent 11 years and had to take a medical discharge
Ch

[csmith9474]

I am formerly enlisted. I did four active as a Cable Dawg, and then enlisted in the Texas ANG and cross-trained into combat weather. My wife is currently active duty, and is planning to retire at 20. After my wife got orders to the Academy I had to get out of the Guard, as much as I hated doing it. When we are done here she will have 12, so we will be over the hump!!

What my eventual plan is, is to slowly but surely replace all my plastic with brass. I like the brass car sides, but they still lack the level of detail that I want. I am really looking forward to the Indian artwork. I am trying to figure out a way to incorporate that into my TSP hi levels. I have heard that during refitting of the hi level cars, that the Indian artwork is still under the new paint/deco.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csmith9474

QUOTE: Originally posted by psngrtrn

The floor plan for the Atchison-ex Santa Fe is the same as the floor plan for the Budd Santa Fe/Topeka. All lightweight business cars built by Pullman had the same floor plans. All you need to do is to shorten the floor itself for the lounge/obs and dinning/business rooms. I model business/excursion trains of the BNSF and UP. I was planning on modeling the business/excursion trains of the ATSF,BN, SP and UP but, would require a large fleet and would be rather expensive as most of the cars would need to be brass. I just got my Overland Models ATSF 60 Full Dome-set me back 419.00 big ones but, well work the cost as all I have to add are figures and bottles/cups/glasses from Prieser
Ch

Thanks for the info. I sort of suspected the floor plans were the same by looking at the window configuration.

I am buying an Overland Hi level lounge this week, and I can't wait to get the bugger.

My ultimate plan is to have a fleet of Santa Fe pax equipment that I can draw cars from to make up several passenger trains from. This way I won't have to buy all those cars to maintain individual consists.

Again, thanks![:)]

Smitty, are you a cadet, enlisted, officer or a civilian at the Air Force Academy? I think that you'll love the OMI model. I should have the indian artwork on the front of the low level lounge.
Ch

[csmith9474]

QUOTE: Originally posted by psngrtrn

The floor plan for the Atchison-ex Santa Fe is the same as the floor plan for the Budd Santa Fe/Topeka. All lightweight business cars built by Pullman had the same floor plans. All you need to do is to shorten the floor itself for the lounge/obs and dinning/business rooms. I model business/excursion trains of the BNSF and UP. I was planning on modeling the business/excursion trains of the ATSF,BN, SP and UP but, would require a large fleet and would be rather expensive as most of the cars would need to be brass. I just got my Overland Models ATSF 60 Full Dome-set me back 419.00 big ones but, well work the cost as all I have to add are figures and bottles/cups/glasses from Prieser
Ch

Thanks for the info. I sort of suspected the floor plans were the same by looking at the window configuration.

I am buying an Overland Hi level lounge this week, and I can't wait to get the bugger.

My ultimate plan is to have a fleet of Santa Fe pax equipment that I can draw cars from to make up several passenger trains from. This way I won't have to buy all those cars to maintain individual consists.

Again, thanks![:)]

[Anonymous]

The floor plan for the Atchison-ex Santa Fe is the same as the floor plan for the Budd Santa Fe/Topeka. All lightweight business cars built by Pullman had the same floor plans. All you need to do is to shorten the floor itself for the lounge/obs and dinning/business rooms. I model business/excursion trains of the BNSF and UP. I was planning on modeling the business/excursion trains of the ATSF,BN, SP and UP but, would require a large fleet and would be rather expensive as most of the cars would need to be brass. I just got my Overland Models ATSF 60 Full Dome-set me back 419.00 big ones but, well work the cost as all I have to add are figures and bottles/cups/glasses from Prieser
Ch

[csmith9474]

I have been pretty happy with the Preiser (HO scale) seated passengers. They seem to be the right size, and some of them are paired. Stay away from the Woodland Scenics seated passengers. They are garbage as far as I am concerned.

[rayw46]

I was in my LHS and noticed that there was a group of O Scale seated figures that were smaller than the others that were available. I asked about this and was told that the seated figures were made especially for passenger cars. Even if the passenger car was to scale, smaller figures still looked better in the windows of the cars. Since I don't model O Scale I haven't had a chance to check this out. I don't think that is the reason that HO figures seem to be too big for HO seats, but I thought it was interesting.

Antonio, the cars you saw were probably Hornsby. They have some very detailed interiors, especially the Diners, if that's what the English call them.

[csmith9474]

QUOTE: Originally posted by psngrtrn

QUOTE: Originally posted by csmith9474

I have been working on the interior for my Santa Fe business car "Topeka". This is the first brass (Coach Yard) car that I have built and installed an interior for, and it has only been a mild pain in the behind. I much prefer working from the top than having to work from the bottom. The glazing is coming along really well too. I will also be using the Precision Scale seats, and after a "test run", I think they are going to look great. I will post pics later.

BTW, does anybody know who manufactures dining room tables and chairs in HO? I need these for the dining room in the car and haven't found a source yet. I am probably going to have to craft the table from styrene, but I would at least like to find some chairs.

I recently completed my Coach Yard model of the Santa Fe and for the lounge section, I use Red Cap Lines sofa and Precision Scale single lounge seats and for the dining/meeting room I used Precision Scale single lounge seats and scratch built the table. I painted the sofa red and left the seats in the molded blue color but, painted the legs and part of the arm rest MM Aluminum. And Yes, Red Cap Line is still in business. I have purchased several sets of the Heywood Wakefield Sleepy Hollow coach and parlor seats and these make Walthers interiors look like S@$t
Ch
Ch.

I have already been eyeballing some of the Red Cap stuff (I completely forgot about them for this little project). For now, I have set aside doing anymore than just partitions for the interior. I do have plenty of Precision Scale seats (I really love those things) ready to go. I am just trying to concentrate on getting the interiors for my sleepers together. I am currently modeling the combined Super Chief/El Cap, and it has turned into quite a project. I wanted that biz car so I had a reasonable excuse to run an open platform observation on a this train. I definately appreciate the tips, and will keep those things in my back pocket for a later date.

I am about to purchase the "Santa Fe" myself. Do you happen to have a floorplan for the Pullman built biz cars? One of the other members of this forum was kind enough to send me plans for the Budd cars.

I used the Plano venetian blinds, and WOW do they look great. The drawing of the Budd car that I got specified where there were blinds and shades, so that was a great help. I just used .020 styrene for the shades (painted silver).

It is hard to beat the Coach Yard cars. I have also gotten a reservation in for one of the Division Superintendent shorty's (#404) that Coach Yard is going to release.........someday. It should look great on the rear of the Chicagoan/Kansas Cityan!!!

[jpwc50]

Surfstud31.....Great work on the NYC coach! As for the grab irons & cutbars, I would go ahead and drill holes, gluing would work but they would be very delicate.
My passenger cars get the QUICK Lived-in look with the addition of window shades, baffles & railings across aisle side windows. For the appropriate windows, my shades are just strips of masking tape stuck in the inside of the windows at varying heights. For baffles, I just use cardstock spot glued to the floor & painted a dark color. For example: In a 10/6 sleeper where you have rooms on both sides of a central corridor, I use a baffle painted black on both sides, when I get to the area where the bedrooms are & the corridor runs along the windows, I move the baffle closer to the aisle windows, paint the aisle side a tan color & the bedroom side black. For handrail along the aisle windows, I simply tape a length of silver colored thread to the back of the windows at the appropriate height. It's a quick way to get a car looking more prototypical and then later I go back and install a full interior & lighting as time & funds permit. If you looking for window blinds for your diners & lounge cars, a good source is www.planomodelproducts.com .Click on HO Trains then passenger car details. These blinds are actually metal and really give that diner or lounge car the perfect touch. My next project in a brass PRR twin unit diner and these blinds will be perfect. Does anyone have any ideas on modelling the classic PRR table lamps that were standard in all their diners?....regards, John

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csmith9474

I have been working on the interior for my Santa Fe business car "Topeka". This is the first brass (Coach Yard) car that I have built and installed an interior for, and it has only been a mild pain in the behind. I much prefer working from the top than having to work from the bottom. The glazing is coming along really well too. I will also be using the Precision Scale seats, and after a "test run", I think they are going to look great. I will post pics later.

BTW, does anybody know who manufactures dining room tables and chairs in HO? I need these for the dining room in the car and haven't found a source yet. I am probably going to have to craft the table from styrene, but I would at least like to find some chairs.

I recently completed my Coach Yard model of the Santa Fe and for the lounge section, I use Red Cap Lines sofa and Precision Scale single lounge seats and for the dining/meeting room I used Precision Scale single lounge seats and scratch built the table. I painted the sofa red and left the seats in the molded blue color but, painted the legs and part of the arm rest MM Aluminum. And Yes, Red Cap Line is still in business. I have purchased several sets of the Heywood Wakefield Sleepy Hollow coach and parlor seats and these make Walthers interiors look like S@$t
Ch
Ch.

[Anonymous]

The interior color for SP Daylight colors were french green walls and ceiling, Rust colored floors and the seats were dark brown and an interior cream. For the brown, Box car red will work but, for the cream, MM Panzer Interior buff/cream will work great
Ch

[scubaterry]

After reading this thread I pulled my 16 SS/CS IHC passenger cars out of the box. I ordered the 8 pack interior set as well as one of the four wheel truck w/adapter just to see if it was worth it. I also ordered 40 + sitting passenger figures. So I am good to go for awhile. Tks everybody for all the info.
Terry[8D]
bump

[Anonymous]

I seem to have found the right thread for passenger car detailing. Can you guys tell me if I can install the grab irons and cut bars on the walthers heavyweights without drilling holes? If I glue them in place with CA will they hold OK?

Here's a pic or two of a car I am working on now:

Click Pics to Enlarge





These walthers cars are so detailed in the interior aleady, I am not sure what I could add to improve them much (besides firgures). Even the bathroom is detailed as shown here:

[AntonioFP45]

Guys A MUST SEE FOR NEW YORK CENTRAL FANS!

Many of you likely have seen "North By Northwest". What a movie! Yes, I'm 43 and had never seen it until recently. Cary Grant was truly a classy actor. The type of image that mothers wanted their little boys to be.

Anyway, great interior and exterior shots of New York Central equipment. Too many colors to list here. Easier just to get the DVD from a store or check it out from your local library.

[AntonioFP45]

Hi guys,

This if for the MU Metroliners. I have a photo in a book showing that the "Metroclub" cars had orange seats (Yep, so 1960s!). However, a poster over on the TRAINS forum wrote that he rode on one of the Metros back in the early 70s. Stated that the seats were a vinyl brown in color and the carpet possibly dark blue or green.

Bachmann made the HO "Metros" years back. While they lack detail, they have a lot of good potential. I've been very slowly working on my 4 carsset. If all goes well they'll be in Penn Central soon.

[csmith9474]

I see the Walther's kits pop up on eBay once in a GREAT while. I have decided to to only install partitions in the car though. It would not be worth the effort involved to try to install a full interior in the car. As a matter of fact, I have already finished it. I will make an attempt on my sleepers though. They are easy because the carbody lifts off the floor.

I did install venetian blinds where appropriate though. They look great. I also used a generic silver paint for the shades, which I used .020 styrene for.

[AntonioFP45]

Hey Guys, found a UP dining car interior on the COLA (City of Los Angeles) 1970 which is one year before Amtrak.

I hope this link works:

http://www.jerryapp.com/photos_r.html

It's the 16th photo down. You can "guess-timate" as to what colors to mix to come close.

Notice the flourescent lights!

Check out the Venetian blinds! Looks like the California Zephyr wasn't the only train that used them. (though perhaps UP used them in the diners only)

Csmith,
I haven't ordered the Palace Car interiors yet, but they're on my wish list. I remember the Walthers kits. They were nice but I haven't seen those in over a decade, though.

[csmith9474]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

CSsmith, I think it's a couple of pages back.

Check out: http://www.palacecarco.com Once there, click on "Catalog".

Very nice and realistic looking kits! Though I use IHC interior kits, I must admit that the Palace Car kits make them look crude in comparision.

I am looking for what basically resembles a standard dinette set like you would find in your dining room at home. This is for the dining room in the business car. They don't offer the type of chairs I am looking for. I know the kind of chairs I am looking for were the ones that were in the old Walther's interior kits (the white metal ones). Have you ordered any of the Palace interior kits yet?? As always, thanks for your help and input.

[AntonioFP45]

CSsmith, I think it's a couple of pages back.

Check out:  http://www.palacecarco.com  Once there, click on "Catalog".

Very nice and realistic looking kits! Though I use IHC interior kits, I must admit that the Palace Car kits make them look crude in comparision.

[csmith9474]

I have been working on the interior for my Santa Fe business car "Topeka". This is the first brass (Coach Yard) car that I have built and installed an interior for, and it has only been a mild pain in the behind. I much prefer working from the top than having to work from the bottom. The glazing is coming along really well too. I will also be using the Precision Scale seats, and after a "test run", I think they are going to look great. I will post pics later.

BTW, does anybody know who manufactures dining room tables and chairs in HO? I need these for the dining room in the car and haven't found a source yet. I am probably going to have to craft the table from styrene, but I would at least like to find some chairs.

[pcarrell]

Bump

[Eddystone]

I just got my Model Railroad News the other day in the mail and came across this co. in an add. I know it's not an interior item, but it helps the look of the cars.

http://www.hi-techdetails.com/ then click on latest releases

I haven't used them yet but have used American Limited diaphragms on my Walthers cars, they really help the apperance.

www.americanlimitedmodels.com

[AntonioFP45]

Thanks Mac!

I'm greatful to see the detailed posts from our fellow modelers. Very valuable! What's neat is that we're seeing more and more pasenger train modelers on the forum.

For years a friend of mine and me felt like the "exceptions" since the majority of modelers we interacted with either modeled "freight" exclusively or had "minimal" interests in passenger service. So glad to see that has changed dramatically.

[MacdonaldRB]

Thank ye Anonio!!
This will be a verra big help. I recently did the interiors of the Bachmann N&W Heavyweights and they turned oot verra good.
That is the reason that I want to do my other cars as I can get the interiors for them.
Yours aye,
Mac

[David_Telesha]

Hi all,

Sorry I missed this before....

From what I can tell the shades were an off-white color (light gray or non-metallic silver) in the post-War lightweight cars.

I think the pre-War LWT cars (American Flyers) had blinds - at least early on. This may have changed, I'd have to look at some AF cars to come to a conclusion.