This was one of those projects that I've wanted to do for quite some time and was going to scratch build until MT came out with them. A repaint/ detail instead of a complete build. I added MT Z scale couplers, BLMA trainline hoses, wire cut levers and a black wash to the bearings.
Just make sure that it is hauled "REO" (rear end only) but not the last car in the train. These scale cars do not have airbrakes and must not be the last car. I think they also have a speed restriction on them of 35 mph but can't remember. Don't break the rules.
Signalz, The sign on the railing declares a max speed of 25 mph on the main and 20 mph on a branch line per the prototype pictures used. Under the scale test car lettering it reads "haul on rear of train only". There are also decals on the ends that read "do not hump" and "no air brakes". The lettering is only about .015" high but legible with magnification plus my photographic skills could use some work. The paint shop got the lettering applied but getting the train crew to obey the speed restriction...now that might be another story.
Very nice! I might protolance one in D&RGW... I saw those all the time, from the various UP predecessors, rolling thru Cheyenne, WY. Here's a C&NW car:
Hemi, Thanks for the pic. The CNW is another of my favorite roads as they used to be way big here in my home town. Here's an example in RG markings: Jim
Hemi, I got reading about that other type of scale car you posted a pic of and here's what I found out FWIW: Many of these type were made by Maxson Corp (among several others including the railroads themselves) in the mid/ late seventies, weighed 100,000 lbs and could travel anywhere in the train at whatever speed just like any other car. They were also self propelled by a small gas motor and a hydraulic drive to move them onto the scale by the inspector thus removing the need for a switch engine & crew. Found this in a book of North American M of W equipment by James Bradley. Fun stuff Jim
