Penn Central. More people modeling it than we realize!

[Anonymous]

I plan on having a few PC engines when I operate in the 70's era. Being a Conrail fan, I can't help but liking PC.

[Anonymous]

I was once one of the NO PC on my layout, but I have since grown into liking the PC look, the main problem is the best representation of Swampwater Green was Flouqils but they no longer make that color in the regular line. I was able to find four bottles of Scaelecoats PC Green but Floquil's still looks better. I currently making decaling some X71 and X72 boxcars and building an X79 from a Railyard Models Kit. I am also planning some PRR X58 PC repaints along with some covered hoppers.

It would sure be nice if the Model Manufacturers would make the PS 4785 Covered Hopper as the PC had a lot of these in their X54 class.

Rick

[MudHen_462]

Right on, Antonio ! For the life of me, I could not bring myself to hate a particular RR, mostly because I love the darn things..... but I can sure dislike the lousey management that brought wreck and ruin to a particular Line or Road.

P.S. Before my 22 years of "military", I worked a short time for the NYC, then I became a Penn Central employee..... until the "RIF's" started.

[AntonioFP45]

Hey Guys,

You probably remember the topic regarding a beautiful layout that featured Penn Central. Many posts were made, mostly positive but some "seemed" to question why would hobbyists model the PC since the prototype was a financial mess and Conrail was born as a result. Paul3 and I had friendly disagreements over "why or why not" model PC. Seemed like that some of the posters that didn't like the Penn Central for understandable reasons, however, looked "down" on those that admit to modeling PC or owning cars that have those "worms" on the side.

I talked to the "regulars" at my LHS. I was very, very surprised to learn from the store owner, Kevin, that nearly every single "quality" freight car kit or locomotive in the Penn Central scheme that was shipped to Happy Hobo Trains store SOLD OUT within a short time! The reason? Many of the customers that are in the "over 35 age category" saw Penn Central trains as kids and now want to model them, even knowing the full history!

Just thought I'd share this as I even questioned myself as to why I liked Penn Central but then came up with the same answer over and over........................ This was the railroad of my childhood! I didn't see union or management corruption. Didn't see money or equipment being pilfered. From a 3rd floor apartment I just saw lots of cool looking freight and passenger trains cruising by on a 4 track mainline in a deep ditch.

Paul3 jokingly referred to the E33s as "Mishapen Bricks." I doubt that most railfans seeing these things back then hauling 100 car freights at 60+ m.p.h would have called them that.

I hope to have my "PC" Metroliner bodies finished soon. I ordered a PDT II Self Powered Truck for the lead car to replace the Bachmann truck motor.

Peace! [:D]