Large Scale Central

Composite Boxcar

Modeling
#61

On Saturday, Bob dropped off a pair of ends to me at the Springfield train show. Not being much of a scratch builder, I picked up an Aristo Delton Classic wood boxcar to use as bash fodder. I did a quick sight comparison of height and I think I might be able to use the sides by adding an exposed metal frame at the bottom. I haven’t considered the length yet - it might end up being too short. If it scales out under 30 feet, I think it would look too short.

I haven’t taken the saw to it yet. I’ll check some basic dimensions first to be sure I can use it. If not, it will go into my 1:24 fleet as-is.

JR

#62

The Delton car scales out to about 25’ 4" long (+ couplers) at 15MM/Ft. I’m using Kevin’s simple 1:20 conversion factor - if 45MM is 36" gauge then 1 Ft = 15MM.

I think this is kind of short. The roof and frame are much too narrow to be used without major work, but some of the detail parts might be salvageable. This is a free-lance model so some of the neat Delton hardware bits could be borrowed.

Still can’t decide :frowning:

JR

#63

Those ends that Bob made are 1:20.3. That makes the car considerably bigger than the 1:24 Delton. You would be much better off just scratch building the car.

#64

From a purely historical perspective, a composite car would be of a fairly “modern” vintage, when rolling stock sizes had gone through their post-pubescent growth spurt. A 25’ car would be a very short car for a 1910s carbuilder to build–unless it was built for a very specific purpose. I think you’re best off putting the Delton car with the 1:24 equipment where it will be quite happy, and building a frame out of plastic or masonite.

Later,

K

#65

Warren - Yes I know they are 1:20 and the Delton is 1:24. I was hoping to be able to cheat and use some of the Delton car as a donor. As you rightly point out, it is just to far off to be of any use.

Kevin - I agree - it’s just too short. I’m thinking 40 foot or 35 at minimum to look right. So I guess it’s a scratch built box for me then. That puts the project off a while as I don’t have any material to work with other than the donor car.

JR

#66

Wow, those look great guys! I thought about ordering one but with the tight curves and short spurs on my layout I should probably stick with shorter cars than that.

Bruce, your logo looks great. Do you use decals or is it stenciled? If decals, where do you have them made?

#67

Thanks, Ray. Those are decals. I get them from Stan Cedarleaf (http://gold.mylargescale.com/StanCedarleaf/WebPageDecals/CustomDecalsx.html)