Large Scale Central

Building idea: A standard gauge boxcar in 1:24?

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

I always loved that old photo of a standard 40 foot Pennsy boxcar toddling along the EBT on narrow gauge trucks. So I’m thinking of building a standard gauge boxcar just for giggles. I also have a couple drawings of Pennsy USRA design house cars (x-26 etc)… Do-able, but the stamped ends don’t look like much fun. This x-29 however… the major dimensions should be the same, right?

Here’s a photo of how the EBT’s modified Vulcan narrow gauge trucks looked:

How it was done on the Eastie using the timber transfer trestle http://www.totalracing.com/ebt/ttoperation.htm Will it be able to run on the current AV? not likely - I can think of about 6 places it would probably hang up. A quick check of the math says 2-1/2" gauge is ‘close enough’ to standard in 1/24. I just may have to look into a set of SG trucks and build the transfer trestle too :stuck_out_tongue: Or maybe forget the whole thing?

#2
Mik said:
Or maybe forget the whole thing?
You can't, you're Mik.
#3

Mik, I am sure no one could stop you once you get an idea to build something. Expect that we will see pics soon of this new project.

#4

Hi Mik -

Cool idea. One that I’ve had for a while, only my goal was a flat since it’s a simpler build. Ric Golding did a Std. Gauge flat complete with Std. Gauge trucks in 1:20.3 Scale. It’s HUGE :slight_smile:

#5

Originally I had planned to have an “interchange track” on my layout where I could display a standard gauge boxcar, to illustrate the difference between narrow gauge and standard gauge. Unfortunately there was no way to fit that in.

#6

Mik, Why 1:24th ? Some years ago, there was a kit made from vacuum-formed styrene for a 1:22.5 std gauge (2.5" gauge) steel boxcar, complete with the stamped rippled ends. It wasn’t very fancy, but it captured the look. I put it on NG trucks, EBT-style, and ran it at Rogers RGSEast once. (I thought I had a photo, but I haven’t found it after multiple attempts.) Don Niday at Iron Creek Shops http://www.ironcreekshops.com/home.html has a 36’ boxcar in 1:20.3 and there are a few photos of similar cars running on Old Eastie.

(http://www.ironcreekshops.com/images/600_Wood_SG_36_Boxcar_kit.JPG)

#7

Why 1/24? An honest question deserves an honest answer. I decided at some point that I preferred my little empire to be ‘Cape Gauge’ (42") rather than have to compromise or fudge the scale on EVERY other bit of scenery (like cars). I also don’t need a fancy scale ruler to be able to build stuff.

#8
Mik said:
Why 1/24? An honest question deserves an honest answer. I decided at some point that I preferred my little empire to be 'Cape Gauge' (42") rather than have to compromise or fudge the scale on EVERY other bit of scenery (like cars). I also don't need a fancy scale ruler to be able to build stuff.
Im with you Mik on the 1/24 plus its does not make are layouts look as small.
#9

For the Pennsy x-26c in 1:24 I get:
Body length 20-3/4"… 21" over the strikers, width 4-1/2", carbody side height 5", 5-11/16" at peak. (7-1/2" from top of rail to peak)

Door 3-1/2" w x 4-5/16" t

Big…

#10

That’s not modeling, that’s carpentry!