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.