So, I've seen some at train shows that were clearly toy quality, but when I look at these new in box at the LHS, they seem to have been upgraded somewhat. So in both the train set quality ones and the current crop, how accurate or inaccurate are these? Obviously the details are chunky, but are the basic dimensions correct on these cars? Basically, I'm looking to buy a bunch of these to repaint and put into potash type service. I'll probably do minor upgrades and add weight, but I'm curious if the basic dimensions are accurate. If they aren't than any additional work isn't worth it.
I don't know what to look for as far as accuracy is concerned but they look good. They stand to some abuse and can be handled breaking off a bunch of details.
The Botchman car is of no known prototype, you would be better off and spend less money since you are going to strip and repaint them anyway to purchase the Intermountain Railway Company Cylindrical Covered Hopper which is the correct car that you want to do and it is available in kit form. Here is a car I did using the IMRC kit with circular hatches. Rick J
Actually, the Bachmann 4-bay cylindrical hopper closely matches Santa Fe (ATSF) prototype hopper series 316000-316149. Yes, it is crude by today's standards, but with a little TLC, some wire grabs, and some etched roof walks, I bet it can be made into a decent model. http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=58478 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=36880 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=58474 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=58476 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=36879 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=36877
Cool and I note from the pictures, they were in use at leats through the end of the 80s. So for my purposes, which is a semi freelanced grain or ptash train, they will be perfect. Better than the athearn 4 bay non-prototype hoppers.
Really, I know I've seen plenty of comments about how it's a mishmash of prototypes in particular the 4 shutes don't match with the design of the upper.
Here's a few examples: http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=56246 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=65207 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=52798 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=59430 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=16836 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=10434 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=53455 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=54461 http://www.railcarphotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=57741 http://www.railcarphotos.com/pix/65/ACFX 54362_West Trenton NJ_Matt Herson_1977-04-17_65207.jpg http://www.railcarphotos.com/pix/52/ACFX 55000_St. Louis MO_Skip Gatermann_2009-06-14_52798.jpg http://www.railcarphotos.com/pix/59/ACFX 56045_Little Rock AR_Glenn Laux_2010-07-24_59430.jpg http://www.railcarphotos.com/pix/16/AEX 5094_Ontario CA_Chris Butts_1995-05-01_16836.jpg
Only a couple of those match the athearn car. Though probably all you'd need to do is alter the dumps to make it more common. Still, just goes to show that model railroad wags need to check themselves when declaring innacuracies.
You know, I was driving by Roseville Yard at lunch time and what do you know I saw a couple of 4 bay pressurized outlet cars just like the frackin Athearn Cars. Crazy.
Hey YoHo, I actually bought one of the Bachmann cars a few days ago from the local hobby shop, and honestly, the car is actually not bad at all. So, I have started a drawing for etched parts that will replace the molded on parts. These will include new end ladders, roof walk, and maybe hopper gate detail. I don't know when or if these will ever get done, but I will show the drawing when I get further along. Donnell
