PRR X54 RBL Distraction - PRR 19182

Image courtesy of G. Elwood's Fallenflag.org, Leroy Dozier photograph
          

While I should be writing about all things SAL, SCL, and ACL related, I was recently entranced by the likes of the new Bridge Line Designs / 3D Central Pennsylvania Railroad X54. This is an all new resin print of this unique 40' RBL. Before eyes roll, grunts are heard, and sweating begins, I really like RBLs and well that is enough justification to include at least one example of these unique cars.

Leroy Dozier, who is quickly becoming one of my most frequently liked railroad photographers given the number of FGE subjects he shot, took this image of PRR 19182 in November 1965. The car is slightly ahead of my era, but the presence of the reweigh stenciling and the dedicated service to Camden, NJ marks it for roster inclusion. 

The model is excellent in all respects, and while I am not a Pennsylvania modeler, I quickly learned some interesting facts about the X54. The series information, also courtesy of G. Elwood's Fallenflags.org website is included below.

Images courtesy of G. Elwood's Fallenflag.org

The X54s were numbered 19000-19399 while the X54As were numbered 19400-19499. The differences appear to be the use of differing load restraints, a slightly reduced cubic capacity, and a lower nominal capacity of the X54A. The model includes an etched fret of ladders, grab irons, brake levers, running board, brake steps, and cut levers. The body and underframe are separate to allow for entry into the model, while the roof is integral to the model. The fidelity of the model is excellent with no raised areas or inclusions. The striations seen are from the printing process, which will be covered when primer is applied.

To accurately model the X54 in the past has meant using the old Front Range/Accurail 40' RBL to approximate a X54, however, Bridge Line Designs and 3D Central have truly expanded the horizon for those interested in RBL traffic. The X54s were used in service which required temperature protection such as canned goods, paper products, etc... My example will be used in beer service and accompanied by smaller 40' FGE RBLs which were used by SCL to frequently distribute various beers from Florida.

SAL 580751, Image courtesy of G. Elwood's Fallenflag.org, photographer Leroy Dozier

SAL 580752, courtesy of RRPA, photographer Matt Ferguson

The X54 model will receive some additional upgrades to include a Moloco handbrake housing, Kadee Universal brake wheel, Hi-Tech air hoses, and wire grab irons and brake rigging. The ladders are finely etched and will be my first use of using flat etchings to represent the prototype. If not sufficient, another solution will have to be determined. The Microscale PRR 40' boxcar set 87-1200 will be used to source much of the data, however, the K4 Decal set expressly drawn for the X54 will also be used to capture some of the finer lettering. My model will be primed using Floquil primer and painted using a mixture of ScaleCoat II Boxcar Red 2 and Oxide.

The trucks for the X54 will be sourced from Bowser, or an old Red Caboose X29 kit if I can locate one in my stash of parts. The uniqueness of this truck is apparent after you study how different they appear from a typical AAR-Y truck. The model's instructions are clearly explained, and this should be an excellent project for someone needing a smaller RBL.