Evergreen Freight Car Corporation - EFCX 2249

(EFCX 1429, courtesy of G. Elwood's Fallen Flag website)

Lumber traffic to Florida was common given the growth of the state during the 1960s, so it would be a certainty to have at least one or two cars in this service type on my roster. 

As a young modeler, I was aware of the Athearn Genesis release of the PC&F 50' models beginning in 2005, and while I certainly wanted a smattering of them, I never bought any because there wasn't a lot of coverage of the prototypes and their range. Recently, I acquired two models of the Athearn Genesis G4300 PC&F smooth side boxcars and this became an interesting foray into learning about why I need these cars.

Lee Gautreaux aka the Railgoat hosts an amazing amount of information on all things SP, SSW, and other railroads of interest (http://www.railgoat.railfan.net/spcars/bytype/box/evergreen.htm). Lee covers four of the Evergreen classes which included the B70-38, B70-44, B70-51, and B70-65. The two models I purchased were intended to be used a Western Fruit Express cars, but the details eliminated those cars as options due to prototype variations (welded panels vs. riveted panels).

EFCX 2269 is a member of the B70-38 class (EFCX 1000-2900) of insulated boxcars constructed by Pacific Car and Foundry in 1966-1967. These cars were equipped with Hydracushion underframes and were rated at 70-tons. The B70-38 series were 4961 cubic feet and equipped with a 10'6" plug door. 

So here came another, "Look Squirrel" moment, and in the process I quickly ordered the needed parts to get an Evergreen Freight Car Corporation example on the roster. In short order, the Genesis model best represents a GN prototype due to the inset sill, lack of visible bolts at the bolsters and along the sill edge, but otherwise it's close. The decals were available via Microscale's Minical set (87-4310) and the trucks were identified as Barber S-2-A 70 ton trucks equipped with roller bearings. An order of Athearn Genesis 70-ton trucks (ATHG 4596) was sent to replace the included trucks which were not correct for the EFCX 1000-2900 series. The model built quickly, but as with an older kit, some upgrades were made along the way. I replaced the included "Modern" brake wheel with a Kadee 2025 equivalent, and completed construction with some Evergreen styrene .020" rod to replace a cross over grab iron that was damaged. The next task was to identify the car color and after examining several "clean" examples, I began the process of getting it close. The availability of a correct color makes this a modeling project, and while I'd love to have a bottle of EFCX Green available, there wasn't an option other than to begin mixing colors to get in the range. The horseshoes and hand grenades approach was used until I got it close and ultimately the masses will let me know if I didn't get it correct, but looking at the images and adjusting for film degradation, ambient light, and time, I determined a 1:1 mixture of Tamiya XF26 and XF71 was close enough for me to represent a freshly painted car.

The paint matching process from left to right. Taken under incandescent lighting with an iPhone camera. The center color was selected for use on this model.

Tamiya XF67 in a 1:1 ratio with XF71

Tamiya XF26 in a 1:1 ratio with XF71

Tamiya XF26 in a 1:1 ratio with XF67

The underframe was painted with Tamiya XF63 German Gray and the roof was painted with a mixture of XF63 and XF20 to lighten it. The gray galvanized steel roofs certainly contrast with the green sides of these models. Once dry, the roof was sanded lightly with 3500 grit sand paper to remove any inclusions and a dark oil wash was applied.

The model was washed with warm soapy water, dried, and a light coat of Alclad 302 Primer was applied to give uniform color to the model. The primer was allowed to dry and airbrushed with the mixture of XF26 Deep Green and XF71 Cockpit Green. The mixture can be adjusted for lighter cars by adding more XF71 as necessary.

2026 - The Year of the Gondola and Flat Car

SAL 6523 is a model constructed from an Athearn 65' mill gondola with new resin ends, a custom rebar load made from 28-gage wire, brass tie down strands, Evergreen styrene bracing, and uses a Tangent hand brake. The model was painted with Scalecoat II Boxcar Red and decaled with Speedwitch SAL 65' Mill Gondola set (D111). The model and load were weathered to follow the prototype which was in rebar service.

And to add to my fleet of yeoman flat cars, here is an assortment of 41'4" flats of both the Seaboard Air Line variety and another former AB&C flat. The AB&C flat became the ACL P-15 class and will be a unique piece of equipment shot by my friend Stanley Jackowski in Maintenance of Way service despite being freshly repainted in ACL paint by the Waycross shops in 1973. It has long been one of my favorite images and will require some additional detailing. 

The current count of flatcars under construction is 5, with 10 others in various shades of black awaiting their decals. With this many projects underway, progress will be made and as such I'm declaring 2026 to be the year of the completed Gondola and Flatcar!

SCL U25C 2115 Part 1: Frame Modification

 

I have long studied the GE U25C as these were frequently found in the area and region modeled, but never could resign myself to modeling one using the existing Rivarossi tooling. 

In 2014, Rivarossi/Hornby revealed test shots of an updated all new model which truly showcased the heft this prototype was constructed with. Not soon thereafter a second model arrived in the form of the Korea Brass Models U25C. There was some debate as to which model followed the prototype most closely, and the Rivarossi/Hornby model is typically favored. Unfortunately, the model is now discontinued following the release of several updated variants, but can still be had on the secondary market.

The model is true to scale in major dimensions, and includes separate details such as nose grab irons, wipers, MU hoses, pilot grab and cut levers, see through screens, excellent radiator grid detailing, rotating bearing caps, axle generators, and ACL specific details such as the lack of a brake wheel, front and rear Gyralights, Leslie RS-5T horn. 

The handrails are typically regarded as the most unfavorable detail on this otherwise exquisitely tooled model. Having stripped a model using 91% IPA, they do include a thick coat of yellow paint which only serves to detract from their appearance. It should be noted that there are several excellent details this model hides such as rivet detailing, early GE louvers, hinge and lift ring details below the black paint.

The Rivarossi/Hornby models also include an ESU/Loksound digital sound decoder which is my preferred DCC decoder and has a heavy diecast frame which provides for ample pulling power. When I first purchased the model, I immediately replaced the speaker with a Scale Sound Systems RIVA-UCFR U25C replacement speaker which replaced the 28 mm round speaker. I installed this single speaker as instructed and opted to leave the fan detail intact at the rear of the unit. The model can be provisioned with two, and I am exceptionally happy with the speaker chosen.

The biggest issue with the model is not necessarily the handrails but rather the frame and the, "Peekaboo" effect. In product photos, I've always noticed how much space was above the trucks and the frame. The U25C frame was modified with a file to remove the paint along the bottom portion of the frame and Evergreen 1X10 (part number 8110) was installed vertically from behind the well created by the frame rails themselves. After curing, additional lengths of Evergreen 1x8 (part number 8108) were cemented into place and allowed to dry. The fuel tank was also modified to remove the bracket below the tank as these were removed or not installed on this specific order constructed in October 1965.

The frame is ready for paint at this stage and will mirror the prototypes which typically varied from dirty to filthy and often looked as if they've been run through the mud. Until next time.

Smoky Mountain Model Works - SAL and SCL Wood chip hopper extensions and brackets

 

For those modelers interested in modeling SAL and SCL wood chip hoppers, here is an opportunity to order a set of useful components that will modify the Broadway Limited Imports 70-Ton AAR three bay hopper into an accurate prototype model. The parts will not be produced if reservations are not received. Reservations are needed, so please contact Jim King at Smoky Mountain Model Works to place your order. 

ACL P Series 40' flatcars Part 3 - The P-9, P-11 and P-15 Workhorses

 

Work continues on the P-9/11/15 series of 40'-41' flat cars using the Tichy Train Group 4040 flat car kit base. These cars were infinitely useful for the ACL and served well into the 1970s as Maintenance of Way cars. Of the thousands of cars constructed, only a handful of cars remained in revenue service, while hundreds were faithfully serving the road crews, bridge and signal departments, and road masters with the maintenance of the line.

The cars as shown have their ACL number drawn on the decking for ease of identification. Some of these still require additional detailing with Archer Fine Transfer rivet decals, but are otherwise ready for paint.

Topographical Maps: Then and Now of the SAL

The Seaboard Air Line's Sarasota Subdivision ran from the hamlet of Durant to Sarasota, approximately 70 miles. Most recently while studying historical topography maps, I was able to locate and trace some unique features of this area. The area was largely developed by the phosphate industry in the 1930s with many of the mines playing out by the 1950s. The move eastward from eastern Hillsborough County was in part due to the abundance of phosphate deposits found in Polk County, Florida and the communities of the western edge of the Bone Valley.

Small towns such as Valrico, Turkey Creek, Durant, and Edison were the gateways to the rich deposits of phosphate which were being mined in western Polk County since hydraulic mining and excavation became the standard mining practice. The railroad bisected the deposits and was integral in transporting the phosphate to and from various mines, washers, storage facilities, and ports.

The abundance of railroad wyes on these lines is interesting as it serves as points of interchange and movement between many of the predecessor railroads that ultimately fell under the umbrella of the SAL. The many on line industries also bolstered traffic in the early 1930s as the areas developed.

The northern terminus of the SAL's Sarasota subdivision was nothing more than a wide spot on the railroad and to this day is largely a nondescript spot in the road, however, it was an important link in the railroad. This junction would serve as a direct link from Tropicana located in Bradenton to Plant City allowing for movement of unit juice trains northward. 

SCL utilized this route to bypass and avert the delays of Tampa in favor of a direct connection in Plant City and points north. Following the merger, SCL would utilize the former ACL rails to move Tropicana products. This line was removed during the 1980s by CSX due to a lack of customers and redundancy. The rails provide an interesting glimpse into the history of the area and what was. The old line remains extant south of Willow where the Florida Railroad Museum operates, however all trackage northward is gone.

The SAL's Valrico subdivision was also home to several wyes some of which interchanged with customers. This area is located south of State Road 60 (the bold purple line) and was once home to Sydney Phosphate Mine. Mining in the area stretched north of the yard and was once home to a large processing facility. Today, this area is now an EPA superfund site due to contamination of the soil, and remains undeveloped scrub. To date, I've not found any images from this area and it appears operations ceased as late as the 1950s. The trackage is completely removed and no indication of the wye exists.

The removal of the SAL's Sarasota subdivision trackage in eastern Hillsborough County removed duplicated trackage and the important history of this link. The right of way is largely inundated with undergrowth and trees now, however, electric utilities have used much of the right of way for transmission lines. Sadly, images of this unique Florida segment of railroading are few and far between, but definitely of interest to those who model SAL and SCL in Florida. 

The Seaboard Air Line #2 standard depot as found in Wimauma, Florida was on this very subdivision, however, all traces of this structure have succumbed to nature and are no longer visible. The study of historical topographic maps from the USGS (https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/topoview/viewer/#4/40.00/-100.00), Google Earth, and photographs serve as an important tool to capture important details of what once was. 

ACL P Series 40' flatcars Part 2 - The P-9 and P-11 workhorses

Some progress has been made on the ACL P series flatcars as modeled with the Tichy 4040 kit. The Tichy ACL P series flatcars were some of the longest living examples of early freight car production throughout the 20th century with some examples lasting into the 1970s. A full article is planned on the necessary modifications to make the cars more prototypical and also allowing for unique Maintenance of Way conversion cars. 

By the 1960s modeled, most examples will be lettered in the 65XXX and 68XXX series of cars to account for their non-revenue assignments. Many of the cars served the signal, bridge, and wrecking crews throughout the SCL system. Additional 41'4" models to account for roster acquisitions from the AB&C are also planned, along with SAL F-4 and F-5 41' flatcars also placed in Maintenance of Way service.

The above photo demonstrates the differences between the Tichy 4021 and 4040 kits, both of which are universally appropriate for ACL based cars.