Rapido RR-56: SFRP 2106

 I began re-construction of Rapido's new Santa Fe RR-56 which will be repainted with some detail upgrades. The model was grit blasted using baking soda in my Paasche Air Eraser, an indispensable tool for modeling these days. I really appreciate the excellent body work of this model along with the etched grilles, however, there are some details which could be improved upon. 

The term Ready to Run (RTR) may hold true for some, but after locating a prototype image of both sides of the same car, I elected to strip one of my cars which will be repainted and decaled. In the interim, the door tracks were carefully removed, along with the doors, the hatch lid, running board, and brake wheel. The titanium or some metallic shade used by Rapido did not detract from the model, but in my observations, did not yield a galvanized steel look either. The majority of my time was spent removing the paint from the roof which is still evident on the seam caps in some locations. Masking the eaves of the roof will be fairly easy since the diagonal panel overhanging roof has clearance above the sides. I prefer to use Model Master "Steel" for the roof since it looks great once clear coated.

The model's color is one of those moving targets, and since converting to Tamiya paint, I will need to experiment with varying ratios and shades to get it close. The model will first receive a coat of primer and then the orange concoction will be airbrushed onto the model. Comparing Santa Fe orange to the various colors at my disposal, I also located two bottles of Floquil Military colors which could be useful for this project as well.

The immediate upgrades will be the replacement of the Champion-Peacock brake wheel with a Kadee equivalent, as well as placing some Moloco 70-ton ASF roller bearing trucks under it until Plate C releases their new ATSF specific truck. The car will be decaled using Microscale sets 87-255 (Santa Fe Mechanical Reefers) and 87-510 (Santa Fe 50' Mechanical Reefers). The model will be lettered in the Texas Chief paint scheme which will match my selected prototype SFRP 2106.

Flatcar Deck upgrade - AMB 329

 

While constructing a model of a former ACL, now SCL AAR 53'6" flatcar, I decided to upgrade the stock decking material with the American Model Builder's kit 329. The decking was initially primed and sealed with gray primer, then over sprayed with Krylon camouflage flat brown. After drying, the AMB deck was sanded using 80 grit and 320 grit board by board to simulate a worn appearance. The decking will also be over sprayed with flat black on the bottom edges to accurately model the prototype's appearance. While constructing the model, I noted several eyebolts which were affixed perpendicularly to the decking and used as a load securement point. The SCL model will not include this feature, however, a second ACL model will utilize these details so that the load can be prototypically secured.

 

ACL P-13 and P-14 flat cars

The yeoman of the Atlantic Coast Line flat car fleet was composed of the P-13 and P-14 series of 53'6" AAR 50-ton flat cars. The cars were identified as, "war emergency" cars due to their production during 1943 and featuring wooden stringers which were eventually replaced with 4" Z bracing. The P-13 series was delivered in February 1943 and were numbered ACL 77000-77171. Though unremarkable in terms of appearance, the cars were constructed to AAR practice and built by Greenville Steel Car Company. The cars also rode on T-9-D trucks which are denoted as 50 ton unit cast steel solid bearing trucks. The P-13 class utilized Cardwell-Westinghouse Type NZ-11-E draft gear and a Universal drop staff hand brake. The cars were painted black and lettered with white reporting marks. 

The P-13 series quickly became candidates for rebuilding in the 1950s as shipper demands warranted modification to include bulk heads being applied, log service, TOFC, and brick and wall board service. The P-14 series was ordered in January 1943 and later constructed by Pullman Standard in June 1943. The P-14 series was numbered ACL 77172-77471 and differed in the application of Cardwell-Westinghouse NZ-11-F (200 cars, ACL 77172-77371) and Miner AX-2-B (100 cars ACL 77372-77471) draft gear. The P-14 series also utilized T-9-D trucks and a Universal drop staff hand brake. This series was also painted black and lettered with white reporting marks. The cars when repainted utilized the unique Prismo striping which was applied in December 1951, however, the striping was later modified in 1957, and ultimately removed by May 1958.

In reviewing all of the information, ACL began the conversion program of the P-13 series in 1951 with the application of angled bulkheads and 4" steel Zee stringers which replaced the 4"  x 3 1/8" wood stringers when constructed in 1942. The bulkheads were modified in 1953, and a second series of cars were modified in 1956. In 1957, the angled bulkhead cars were revised using 3" steel Zee stringers above the trucks. In late 1957, the application of straight steel bulkheads was applied through car 77005. In December 1959, eight P-13 series flats were converted to TOFC service. In 1960-61, ACL constructed additional P-13 straight bulkhead conversion flat cars with upgraded stringers and removable side stakes. In 1961, ACL modified a single log/lumber service P-13 flat car with removable side stakes to assist in loading, however, this car was not equipped with bulkheads. The conversion process continued with the modification of four additional cars with moveable floor risers and 'Jumbo' end cover plates for use in dedicated wallboard/gypsum service. 

In all, 85 P-13 series flat cars were modified during 1951-1961 for varying services to include gypsum/wallboard, log/lumber, brick, and TOFC. Thirty-eight of the P-13 series cars equipped with straight bulkheads were equipped with 2 lading compartments on the A end of the car. 12 examples included a single lading compartment, while 7 examples had none. All angled bulkhead P-13 series flat cars were not equipped with lading compartments.

Straight bulkhead conversion lading compartments:

38 cars - 2 lading compartments
12 cars - 1 lading compartment
07 cars - 0 lading compartments

Car number: Year converted: Bulkhead type:
77020 1951 Angled
77037 1951 Angled
77079 1951 Angled
77104 1951 Angled
77122 1951 Angled
77136 1951 Angled
77153 1951 Angled
77154 1951 Angled
77066 1956 Angled
77128 1956 Angled
77156 1956 Angled
77002 1957 Angled
77015 1957 Angled
77022 1957 Angled
77116 1957 Angled
77125 1957 Angled
77000 1957 Straight
77068 1957 Straight
77074 1957 Straight
77110 1957 Straight
77124 1957 Straight
77140 1957 Straight
77150 1957 Straight
77169 1957 Straight
77101 1957 Straight
77168 1957 Straight
77013 1958 Straight
77096 1958 Straight
77003 1958 Straight
77007 1958 Straight
77080 1958 Straight
77098 1958 Straight
77129 1958 Straight
77003 1958 Straight
77007 1958 Straight
77080 1958 Straight
77098 1958 Straight
77129 1958 Straight
77011 1958 Straight
77106 1958 Straight
77107 1958 Straight
77026 1959 Straight
77031 1959 Straight
77045 1959 Straight
77048 1959 Straight
77061 1959 Straight
77086 1959 Straight
77099 1959 Straight
77100 1959 Straight
77102 1959 Straight
77120 1959 Straight
77123 1959 Straight
77126 1959 Straight
77130 1959 Straight
77135 1959 Straight
77139 1959 Straight
77146 1959 Straight
77164 1959 Straight
77166 1959 Straight
77171 1959 Straight
77041 1959 Straight
77137 1959 Straight
77005 1959 Straight
77030 1959 TOFC
77057 1959 TOFC
77065 1959 TOFC
77069 1959 TOFC
77071 1959 TOFC
77083 1959 TOFC
77097 1959 TOFC
77108 1959 TOFC
77056 1960-61 Straight
77004 1960-61 Straight
77014 1960-61 Straight
77021 1960-61 Straight
77146 1960-61 Straight
77161 1960-61 Straight
77032 1960-61 Straight
77084 1960-61 Straight
77087 1960-61 Straight
77142 1961 None
77012 1961 Straight
77117 1961 Straight
77157 1961 Straight
77158 1961 Straight


Straight bulkheads conversion in 1959, File 21.98, General Arrangement S-913, End Arrangement S-912 (Diagram dated 08-13-1959). Two lading compartments at "A" end only. 

77026
77031
77045
77048
77061
77086
77099
77100
77102
77120
77123
77126
77130
77135
77139
77146
77164
77166
77171
77041
77137
77005

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1958, File 21.98. Assigned to National Gypsum, General Arrangement S-913, End Arrangement S-912 (Diagram dated 7-18-58). Two lading compartments at "A" end only.
77011
77106
77107

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1958, File 21.98, Assigned to Southern Johns-Manville Company, Jarrett, VA. General Arrangement S-796, Floor stringer arrangement Q-525.  (4" Zees @ 8.2# and 3" Zees @ 6.7#) (Diagram dated XX-17-1958). No lading compartments.
77013
77096

Angled bulkhead conversion in 1957, File 21.98, Assigned to US Gypsum Company, General Arrangement Q-525, End Arrangement S-616, Originally 4"  x 3 1/8" wood stringers, New 3" Zees @ 6.7# above trucks. (Diagram dated 7-22-58)
77002
77015
77022
77116
77125

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1957, File 21.98, Reconverted from 44'6", 46'0" and 44'8" length cars, Assigned to National Gypsum Company, Savannah, GA. 4" x 4" wood or 4" Zees @ 8.2#, General Arrangement S-796. (Diagram dated 09-17-1958). One lading compartment at each end.

First Lot:
77000
77068
77074
77110
77124
77140
77150
77169

Second Lot:
77101
77168

Angled bulkhead conversion in 1958, File 21.98, Assigned to US Gypsum Company, (4" Zees @ 8.2# and 3" Zees @ 6.7#), Floor structure only Q-525, End Arrangement S-616. (Diagram dated XX-17-1958)
77010
77024
77148
77165
77170

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1958, File 21.98. Assigned to US Gypsum Company, (4" Zees @ 8.2# and 3" Zees @ 6.7#), Floor structure Q-525, General Arrangement S-913. Out shopped September 5-11, 1958. No lading compartments. Diagram dated XX-17-1958.
77003
77007
77080
77098
77129

Angled bulkhead conversion in 1956, File 21.98. Assigned to US Gypsum Company, (4" Zees @ 8.2# and 3" Zees @ 6.7#), Floor structure Q-525, End Arrangement S-616. (Diagram dated XX-18-1958)
77066
77128
77156

Angled bulkhead conversion in 5-1951. Bulkheads modified as per drawing S-616 in 1953. Anchors applied in 1956 per drawing P-446. Assigned to US Gypsum Company. Floor structure Q-525, End Arrangement S-616, (4" Zees @ 8.2# and 3" Zees @ 6.7#) (Diagram dated 1958).
77020
77037
77079
77104
77122
77136
77153
77154

Flat car Piggyback service conversions in 12-1959, File 21.82.7.1, No stringer information listed. Diagram dated 02-03-1960.
77030
77057
77065
77069
77071
77083
77097
77108

Flat car log and lumber conversion, Waycross shops, File 21.98.13 and 21.98.13.1, 4" Zees @ 8.2# and 3" Zees @ 6.7#, General Arrangement N-1080, Diagram dated 06-08-1961.
77142

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1961 at Waycross shops, moveable floor risers, "Jumbo" end cover plates, General Arrangement S-913, End Arrangement S-912. Steel 4" Zees @ 8.2#, Two lading compartments at "A" end only. Diagram dated 06-13-1961.
77012

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1961 at Waycross shops, moveable floor risers, "Jumbo" end cover plates, General Arrangement S-913, End Arrangement S-912, Steel 4" Zees @ 8.2#, Two lading compartments at "A" end only. Diagram dated XX-23-1962.
77117
77157
77158

Straight bulkhead conversion in 1960-61 at Waycross shops, removable side stakes, File 21.98.15, General Arrangement S-913, End Arrangement S-912, Steel 4" Zees @ 8.2#, Two lading compartments at "A" end only. Diagram dated 06-20-1961.
77056
77004
77014
77021
77146
77161
77032
77084
77087

The P-13 and P-14 classes can be accurately modeled using the Proto 2000 (now Walthers) series models and will serve as a future project. The series was later renumbered as SCL 677000-677471 and were largely relegated to specialized service or demoted to Maintenance of Way service where they carried various equipment loads or were modified for tracking laying equipment. The following links show the varying modifications to include deck rails and gondola sides.

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4917211

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4415241

http://rchase.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=4415240

Seaboard Air Line #60 - Boca Grande

Seaboard Air Line sought to replace all heavyweight equipment on the Silver fleet trains as early as 1947-49, however, due to material and car production shortages, it was not until 1955-1956 that Seaboard would finally take delivery of the final lightweight sleeping cars. 

Larry Goolsby's Seaboard Air Line Passenger Service The Streamlined Era expertly details the history of these select sleeping cars, "To cure the shortage of lightweight Pullman equipment, Seaboard went back to Budd and Pullman-Standard for 15 full sleepers in three configurations and three sleeper lounge cars. The railroad filled out the order with seven 52-seat coached from Pullman-Standard with 10-seat center lounge. RF&P also contributed two similar coaches, Nos. 861-862. The total SAL/RF&P group of 27 cars, delivered in late 1955 and early 1956, was an unusually large purchase this late in the post-war era - a time when a number of other railroads were already beginning to curtail their passenger train offerings... The new full sleeping cars were heavy on room accommodations. Pullman-Standard built six 11 double bedroom cars (the Avon Park class, for the Meteor) and three cars with five double bedrooms, two compartments, and two drawing rooms (the Boca Grande class for the Star). An interesting footnote to the 1955-56 Pullman Standard order was that Seaboard no longer demanded Budd-style corrugated roofs on the cars; problems with the P-S and ACF corrugated panels applied to the 1949 sleepers were quite evident by this time. These newest Pullman-Standard cars came both with the builder's standard flat roof panels. Both they and the Budd cars in the order were also delivered without full-width diaphragms that had been standard on the earlier post war equipment; they had proved difficult to maintain and were being removed from the older cars as they were shopped. The cars did retain their traditional side skirts, but Seaboard also later removed this trim from most lightweight coaches."

Seaboard Air Line ordered three Pullman-Standard Plan 4201 5-2-2 sleepers for use on the Seaboard Air Line Silver series trains. The sleepers were constructed by Pullman-Standard in January 1956 and were classified as 5- Double Bedroom - 2 Compartment - 2 Drawing Room sleeping cars built in Lot 6969. The cars were numbered as SAL 60 (Boca Grande), SAL 61 (Clearwater) and SAL 62 (Ft. Lauderdale). 

In 1967, the series was renumbered as Seaboard Coast Line 6520 - 6522 and retained their car names respectively. On May 1st, 1971, the sleepers were transferred to Amtrak and were renumbered as AMT 2310 - 2312 where they reconfigured as 7 bedroom - 2 drawing room sleepers.

I have long wanted to construct this model and finally had the opportunity to order Union Station Products car sides and core kits. The Boca Grande will built without skirting to accurately model a prototype photograph of the car. Since this will be my first endeavor into this kit line, I will document the build from the outset for a planned article.

SAL Green Hornet Exception or Rule?

 

There is some debate amongst Seaboard Air Line modelers in regards to the Kadee Products offering of the Seaboard Air Line's "Green Hornet" boxcars. If you can find some additional evidence to suggest the roofs were fully painted, partially painted, or galvanized as seen in this example of SAL 15073 (Bob's Photo, author's collection), please let me know.

The newest issue of the Seaboard-Coast Line Modeler include a full feature article on these unique boxcars and their application throughout the Seaboard Air Line system. The Green Hornet logo is utilized in accordance with U.S. Copyright Fair Use Act (Title 17, U.S. Code) and was accessed from SeekPNG.

ACL P-11 modeling considerations

 

These images showcase several modeling possibilities of the Tichy 4040 low side gondola and Tichy 4042 ACL pulpwood car. These cars, classified as the P-11 class, soldiered on for many decades and lasted into the 1980s as maintenance of way relics. The low side gondola, a product of modeling during Hurricane Irma, was an opportunity to keep my sanity from running away from me, but modeling by strategically placed flash lights was not ideal. Even without power for several days, I think it came out fairly well and will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Seaboard-Coast Line Modeler.

Seaboard Air Line #2 Standard Depot

 

Construction progress of the SAL #2 Standard Depot. It will be painted in standard SCL colors as it appeared in the 1970s. The model will also feature a tar paper roof using Builders in Scale products, and also utilize aftermarket doors from Grandt Line to accurately follow the prototype.

Fruit Growers Express RBL Part 4: The Prototype Shift

The prototype shift is an event which occurs occasionally at a modeler's workbench when something just isn't quite right. I've learned to avoid drastic measures when this occurs, but its not fun, and is usually due to the lack of attention to detail and/or a lack of information.

While examining the prototype car, SCL 590513, during decal application, I determined something was amiss. 

SCL 590513 was built with a larger door which extended the door tracks further to the right of the door. The addition of a small "one third" panel immediately adjacent the door is also not present on the Moloco model which means, the selected prototype while close, wasn't on the mark. 

When looking at additional images of a similarly built FGE RBL, the differences begin to be realized. The door track does not extend to the right of the door as far, and the additional "one third" panel is not immediately adjacent to the door on cars with smaller door openings. While seemingly insignificant at the time, I learned the larger door size meant that lettering differences were bound to occur. Lesson learned.

The remaining details are correct for the selected prototype and model, so a prototype shift is necessary. In fact, the only detail discrepancies between other series is the lack of a door securement device to the right of the door, and the placement of an additional trust plate.

Luckily, I turned to G. Elwood's FallenFlags website which contained an October 1965 image of SAL 591181 captured by Leroy Dozier. The car is from a 50 car series built in 1963 and numbered in series SAL 591143-591192. The cars were selected as follows for loading points and specified shippers:

SAL 591143-591157, Assigned to the D&S, Durham, NC

SAL 591158-591167, Assigned to Wildwood, Florida

SAL 591170-591172, Assigned to Hillsboro, Florida (Anheuser Busch)

SAL 591173-591174, Assigned to Hillsboro, Florida (Schlitz Brewery)

SAL 591175-591192, Assigned to Wildwood, Florida

The cars assigned to Hillsboro, Florida (located south of State Road 582 also known as Fowler Avenue in Tampa, Florida) served the various breweries in this area. The car numbers were conveyed to SCL at the 1967 merger and remained unchanged.

The prototype image below, which shows some mold damage, fits into the era I am modeling and will now serve as the prototype for the Moloco build. Unfortunately, an image of an SCL repaint from this series of cars in the as-delivered scheme has not surfaced. 

While the prototype shift results in additional work since I am far enough along with the decaling process, I feel this is the best means of achieving an accurate model.

Fruit Growers Express RBL Part 3: Decals

The application of the Kohlberg FGE decals has begun. As mentioned earlier, if you need FGE decals there are no other post-1960 decals that are better. The decals are super thin, printed with extreme accuracy and are truly the best around for a project such as this. I have used others and there are none better. 

The various details on the sides of the model such as door stops necessitate the cutting of the decal film between the stripes. The left hand cut is measured 19.5 scale feet from the decal edge. To allow for additional room for movement, the decals were cut an additional scale foot on either side. The right cut allows for less room to maneuver, so the decal was cut completely at this point. Two small indications are located above and below the area as reference. The right hand edge should also be trimmed approximately 18 scale inches to follow prototype photos.

The images below show the progression of the decal puzzle and I am one of those “line by line” modelers who have no qualms splicing up lettering sets to accurately model the prototype. It’s a disease, but to my eye if you can determine the data, it should be represented in part or whole if known.

The decals are placed onto the model following photos, and will mirror the prototype image. Unfortunately, I do not know the loading destination and return information, so I will likely letter the car to return to a local Florida destination allowing for modeler’s license. 

The remaining decals to be applied consist of the reporting marks, capacity and car weight data, car classification along with some small build date information. The Kohlberg decals allow for many variations which give the modeler options to choose from. If you haven’t ordered a set, visit ICG Decals and review the artwork on the set above.

As decaling progresses, additional photos will be shared as progress continues. As a rule, the sides and ends will be over sprayed with a gloss coat to hide any decal edges and once dry, Scalecoat Flat Glaze will be airbrushed so that a flat finish is achieved.