Scratch built a Chili Line bay window for an LGB coach today:
Since the LGB coaches are scale compressed, I built the window proportionate to the LGB coach rather then as a true scale model using photos from D&RGW books as a guide. The prototype window was placed one window over to the right. However the LGB coach is missing a few windows when compared to the prototype, so this position looks the most realistic to me. I’ll likely paint tomorrow. Then I’ll install “glass”.
I remember seeing a bay window kit made for the Accucraft AMB coach. But being 1:20.3 they wouldn’t work for my LGB coach. And the LGB coach isn’t even to scale in 1:22.5. They are greatly compressed lengthwise.
The prototype bay window cars were used as a combination coach and caboose on mixed passenger freight trains. The bay window was used by the conductor to inspect the train…much like looking out of a caboose cupola. These were used on the D&RGW narrow gauge line to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nicknamed the Chili Line due to the many drying strings of chili peppers hanging from homes you would see along the route.
Oops, I forgot to mention that this LGB coach was repainted Pullman green and renumbered to 285 with dry transfers. It started out as the typical yellow 3080 LGB coach.
