Hibar,
Thanks for the clarification. Now that I think about the discussions I read on these forums, since Lionel announced these new models, I remember the disagreement between hobbyists was not just about the paint scheme but if the railroads had a Greenbrier gondola in the paint scheme as depicted, in the catalogs. Trinity Industries & National Steel Car also make mill gondolas that look identical at first glance, but have minor differences, the longer one stares at them. I knew the CSX version was correct as Greenbrier has the (CS)XT version, number (49)1600, on their webpage for this gondola & Ryan (from Lionel) had also confirmed that these models would be based on the Greenbrier design.
So, here are some photos of my CSX version. The pipe-like details on the underside are cast as ribs, not as separately applied pipes, but they are not in view, unless one turns the car over. I also like that the “BUILT BY LIONEL” markings are getting smaller compared to their scale cars from earlier this decade.
I intend to convert these to 2-rail eventually. I haven’t decided if I am going to use the Lionel 2-rail conversion kits or Atlas-O trucks, at this time. But does anyone know if the 2-rail conversion kits that Lionel announced, are available now?
These are just my opinion,
Thanks,
Naveen