I am going to model a load of John Deere tractors circa 1931.  The factory is in Waterloo, Iowa and the Rock Island was the rail service provider.  Can you guys help me out with what type of flat car would be most correct for the year 1931 in HO scale?  I was thinking the Athearn car is too modern, maybe something pre cast frame, with arch bar trucks?  40 foot?  Or were cast flat cars around by then?  I am having trouble finding much info or photos of prototype Rock Island flat cars.

Thanks.
Dave

A few weeks ago I was at a friend's place helping him planning some operations.  To make things more interesting, he would have needed an extra caboose for his Canadian Pacific Railway.  Back home I made a search on the Internet and found out that CPR used three Bay Window cabooses #437265-66-67.  I knew I had an old BB Athearn Bay Window caboose in my junk box.

   

I removed the roof walk and ladders, patched the holes in the roof, made some new railings, carved off the molded in grabirons, added some metal grabirons, painted the model and lettered it with decals from Black Cat Decals and voilà.

   

Not an exact replica of the prototype but good enough for both my friend and me.

A movie link that is really worthwhile if you are a steam and PRR fan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osZCvWTB_Xc
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%...rPYZn2lbAA

There are other roads here too.

GP10 and slug unit at Mannheim Yard.

Bruce

   

WPMA-19 at Atlantic Sweetener.

Bruce

   

On this plan of a CP Mini Box (Funaro & Camerlengo kit), the fixed end of the small brake lever (A end) is on the left of the car, same side as the cylinder.  It was the same with my last Westerfield kit (CP USRA Clone Boxcar).

   

On most cars I have built, the fixed end was on the other side.

Is it an error?  If not, how can this work?

I finally sat down and began working on the first part of my 2022 kitbuild challenge.

The first kit is Bob's Hot Dog Stand by Model Power.



I opened the kit and looked at the parts. There are not many. I did find out the kit was made by Pola. The name is stamped on the bottom of the base.



To begin I painted the door, windows frame, and counter. I discovered the graphics for signs are stickers. I placed four of them on the appropriate signs. There are four more to do.

WPMA-29 making a pick up at Jersey Cold Storage.

Bruce

   

has anyone else been having trouble with KD #5 coupler springs popping out , had 8 or 9 cars that did this on one or both ends  replaced springs and they popped out too so the second time I replaced them I put a dab of UV set glue on them and so far they have stayed in. this a new package of 20 pairs .
Jim

well got started on the bash and boy its a challenge all right the original builder must have used 1/2 a tube of cement on it as you can see its in sad shape         got it striped down to what I will save front wall is gone will be replaced with a freight  door , all the  other windows and doors will be replaced with Tichy ones  second story will be for road agent to live .       
jim