i took and LGB coach #3080 and a #3082 and made two different cars. I wanted a car like the Alamosa on the D&RGW had to run on my railroad the F W & S W railroad. I took the parts from the end of each car and put them on the other car, thus having a car with one end vestibuled and the other with the open-end platform. Both LGB cars use the same main body parts on each car with the exception of the end pieces which are just screw on with the exception of a part or two that are plastic riveted on and will have to be removed. I will answer questions if someone is interested in doing this. Here are a few pics I took.
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Nice!
I like seeing modelers take those LGB’s (and other brands) and make them their own.
I have done a few as well.
John;
A number of years ago, Marvin Brown (Since deceased) obtained parts from LGB for converting their open end passenger cars to closed end cars, and gave them to me.
Having those parts on hand allows me to convert one car to a completely closed end car , or do what you have done.
I don’t know if those parts are still obtainable. LGB has not issued the closed end cars for a very long time, but they should still have the dies for the parts.
Mounting Kadee #820 body mount couplers to the cars make them look much better also.
Fred Mills
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That sounds like you can build a car like I did with the parts you have. Like you said, LGB car parts are probably not available today as they were when LGB was in full production. I did want two cars so buying the two needed cars was what I did, and I did get them off of eBay for $45.00 and $48.00 each, probably less expensive that the parts could have been purchased from LGB. I’m now in the process of rebuilding another #3082 to a PULLMAN CAR for my RR, I will post the pics just as soon as it is complete. If I was starting over, I would go with KADEE’s, but I purchased some 40 pairs of LGB knuckle couplers back some 40 years ago when they first came out at $4.00 pair from Watts Train Shop.
Not meaning in any way to change this interesting thread…
But your observation on prices of Kadee Couplers… do cause a bit of concern… “Completely made in the USofA” is stated.
…I still use the Kadee 820 couplers as our standard here, but the price for us in Canada if purchased from a dealer here is over $15 a pair. it still costs less to purchase them from Reindeer Pass, and pay the added shipping.
Over the years, Kadee has converted the 820 to METAL knuckles…the old plastic ones are all cracking over time.
Body mounting the 820 on such cars as the B’mann, or LGB Western style passenger cars make them look so much better, in my opinion…they do operate better around smaller radius/diameter curves if part of the front of the draft gear box is cut away…about 3/16ths of an inch…just the two corners…
It is good fun to do such modifications and see the cars look so much better.
Fred Mills
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Like I said, I purchased the LGB knuckle couplers some 40 years ago for $4.00 a pair. I also said, if I was starting over again, I might go with the Kadee. Yes, the closer the cars would look better, I know that, so why are you re-hashing my post over again just to tell me what I already know.
No offence meant in any way…just sharing in your enjoyment of enhancing the looks of the cars. I’m Very happy to see that I’m not alone up here, having fun…
Fred Mills