Large Scale Central

Unique Build Possibility

Modeling
#1

Here is an interesting build possibility for your small town.

The rail car library in Missoula, MT
Possibly the only rail car library in existence, on display in Missoula, MT. This was owned by the Anaconda Copper Mining Company from the early 1920’s and traveled from lumber mill to lumber mill providing the lumbermen with reading materials. This railcar “bookmobile” was taken out of commission sometime in the late 1950’s and used for storage until rediscovered and moved here to historic Fort Missoula.

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4 Likes
#2

Any idea on dimension of this baby?
I could model it if a site had more on the side views or outside views with a person standing next to it.
Deneh

#3

I just did a very brief search about the RR and it seems to me it was built standard gauge so the box car would fall within a given set of dimensions for the era. What is more confusing to me is the fact that the car was built and used by the Anaconda Copper company and they go on to say that it was dragged from lumber camp to lumber camp, strange connection.

#4

The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula has a story of this car on their website.
https://buildings.fortmissoulamuseum.org/
They have several pic on there as well. They gave the dimensions as 14 wide by 40 long and was on standard gauge trucks at one time.

#5

I guess I should have put windows in the raised section when I built this. :grinning:

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2 Likes
#6

wow, nice!
Your the man, the myth, the legend !
Any plans on this one?

#7

It was built to 1:20.3 scale from a set of plans in the book “A Century of D&RGW” (I think).
It’s the water tower maintenance car. 40’ long.
The crew would live and work out it while servicing water towers.
I don’t know why they raised the roof.
The prototype had windows in the raised part. I think I was too lazy to put them on the model. :grinning:

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#8

Found the book at Amazon. Book is paperback used for $359.99. I was drinking coffee and spit it out all over my monitor :dizzy_face:
Guess I’ll back off of buying that book as it is gold plated.

p.s. Now to get some wipes for the monitor…

#9

Bruce,

Maybe John will sell you that book after he is finished putting windows in his model!
No rush John!
:rooster:

#10

30 bucks on eBay. Remember, I can’t recall lif I got the drawings from that book. But if you model the grande, it’s a good one to have.

2 Likes
#11

Ok …you win … :laughing:

However I’m calling Amazon and telling them that you cause them to lose a sale for $320 less!

20characters

#12

A bit cheaper Bruce?

#13

On my list for next payday. When your retired on a fixed income you have to plan these things.
I’m still dealing with my house that burned down and restocking my burned down garage, so things move a bit slower, but am on it :innocent:

Bruce G