So I was interested in modeling a CNJ plug door box car in Z, using a undecorated MTL plug door boxcar. The Accrual sight says the car was built in '32, and updated in '56. I understand that NADX leased these cars to CNJ in the 50s to transport Ballantine Ale out of Newark. My question is, what was it built for in '32? Anyone? Also, Pere Marquette had plug doors built for them in '29. Scott
I know this is an old car that was rebuilt in it's current configuration in the 1950's. It is an anachornism in that they retained the orginal cars underframe which was a fishbelly type. When I built my HO Scale models, I used the Accurail 40' car with the 8' plug door but modified the frame with Accurail fishbelly underframe components, also removed the cast on grabs and replaced with wire grabs along with A-Line sill steps. In the attached picture you can see the fishbelly underframe and the correct painting application that differs from your diagram. Also some cars had pullman green ends. They were used to deliver Ballantine Beer from the brewery to various wholesalers. Rick Jesionowski
There are two photos of these in CNJ/LV Color Guide to Freight and Passenger Equipment by Craig Bossler (c. 1994), but the history of these cars as found there doesn't extend beyond what y'all have discussed here. One interesting detail though is that the old frames were square cornered and the new carbodies had rounded corners.
Rick, Thanks for the info on colors and under frame. I had not thought about the fishbelly frame. I mostly posted to find out the back history of the car, but your comments are appreciated. This is what I'll be working with, bought an undecorated MTL plug door from Zscale Monster. NOTE, looks like I'll have to fill in the frame along the bottom. Hardcoaler, I have that book, but thanks for the suggestion. Fortunately, I have inherited my dad's collection of publications on the CNJ. Scott
