Large Scale Central

Civil War train

General Discussion
#1

Ever since seeing Kalamazoo Civil War train set a few years ago I had wanted to build my own Civil War Train. For the past few years I have been keeping my eyes out for an Accucraft 4-4-0 engine at a good price and just the other day I made an offer on one and was shocked the guy took it. Now I am in the process of researching Civil War Cars. Im thinkig two boxcars, Passenger coach and flats with Cannons and Mortars. A friend of mine is going to help me build a working Mortar to scale. I did order a book in hopes it will help with info and pictures. I found a few things on the web but not much. From what I gathered so far:

The cars look like 20ft cars??? (I know they had multiple gauges back then but for this project Im staying with 1:20 scale)

The trucks look interesting. It seems like I can make my trucks using two wheeled journals.

Link and pin seemed to be the only type of coupler

It looks like the cannons on ebay will be pretty close to the scale I need. I already have one I picked up a few years ago.

Ill probably have Stan do decals for the Military RR

I know someone who can make me a few figures.

I need to find plans for cars dating back to that time period.

#2

How the h*ll do you find the time to do all this??? (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-frown.gif)

#3

http://www.firstmdus.net/Rail%20cars.htm

#4

The railroad ave figures would make great union solders. Just add pinstripes on pants and ranking marks on shirt.(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

#5

Kalmbach model Railroader published a book recently called “Model Railroads go to WAR” On the cover is a armored car from the civil war era. Inside there are 3 chapters with text and photos about trains during the Civil War.

This book might give you some ideas.

Keep us posted army trains are really cool.

#6

Sean McGillicuddy said:

How the h*ll do you find the time to do all this??? (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-frown.gif)

Haha I have no friends and life. We are homebodies, dont like to travel too far. My work schedule helps. I do 12 hour days and its a two week rotation. Basically 2 days on 2 off 2 on three off 2 on 2 off then 3 on. Then it repeats.

#7

Shawn Viggiano said:

Sean McGillicuddy said:

How the h*ll do you find the time to do all this??? (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-frown.gif)

Haha I have no friends and life. We are homebodies, dont like to travel too far. My work schedule helps. I do 12 hour days and its a two week rotation. Basically 2 days on 2 off 2 on three off 2 on 2 off then 3 on. Then it repeats. Then between holidays and a few overtime shifts gives me money for trains.

(http://marketplace-images.collector-modeltrains.com/62652d9ad82c26e067eb56ea5300d0aea4932200-1_J5_002_efc58b39a.jpg)

#8

Shawn,

Check out this blog by a 1:48 modeler. http://usmrr.blogspot.com/ Might be work getting into contact with him.

#9

Wow great link Craig Thanks This layout is cool

#10

Someone here, I believe was modeling that time frame, in their basement, complete with cannons on flat cars and such… Been a long time since I have seen anything new about it…

Have you searched civil war trains here???

Just a thought…

#11

Yes, link and pin couplers and hand brakes. Janney and Westinghouse had yet to invent the “modern appliances” for trains, such as knuckle couplers and air brakes.

#12

Very hazardous for railroad men.

#13

Andy Clarke said:

Someone here, I believe was modeling that time frame, in their basement, complete with cannons on flat cars and such… Been a long time since I have seen anything new about it…

Have you searched civil war trains here???

Just a thought…

David Hill is loosely modeling that era.

Ralph

#14

A bit more than loosely Ralph

#15

Are the figures on the flat car ( particularly the middle one) left overs from the Philadelphia Experiment train set ?

If so when was this set released and are there still some around?

#16

i thought, i got all the trains, i need…

but this one changed my mind.

i am building a civil war layout. but i’m still at landscaping and electrifying.

unpacking of all the soldiers and war gear as bashing roling stock still has to wait a year or two.

#17

Hang in there Korm! (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#18

Korm Kormsen said:

i thought, i got all the trains, i need…

ha ha ha ha, yea (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)

Thanks, I needed a good laugh before I started my day.

#19

Korm, as I keep telling another LSC member, when he marvels at my storage areas; “Keep taking your meds, you will be fine.”

#20

Rooster Im not sure where the figures come from. Once in a while the sets come up on ebay but they usually go for $900 plus. Not sure who in their right mind would pay that much.