I realize they lack a lot to compare to the newer cars on the market but I love All-Nation cars. I started 3 from my stash today. I like adding the extra under frame details to them.
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Didn't that company go out of business years ago.
WOW! Don't look like they're lacking anything from here. Must be the builder.
Dennis LaGrua posted:Didn't that company go out of business years ago.
I suspect there's still plenty of AN kits out there in O scaleland.
Rusty
Rusty Traque posted:Dennis LaGrua posted:Didn't that company go out of business years ago.
I suspect there's still plenty of AN kits out there in O scaleland.
Rusty
Probably more unbuilt A-N boxcar & reefer car kits exist than built ones are in closets, basements, garages, and attics , . Any existing shortage would be in actual model builders,
Changing a few details (new roof walk and Intermountain doors in this case), touching up the paint (after being scratched while being used for many decades), and adding a little weathering does wonders to the All Nation box cars. Below is a All Nation car next to an expensive brass car (I forget who made it). From a few feet away (or using a blurry picture like this one), the All Nation cars look pretty good.
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I have enough for now;
3 tank cars; 61 boxcars, 8 reefers and a NW-2 ( those are the un- built cars). I’m still looking for a watermelon car and a couple of flats.
I am with you on this- I would rather have an AN box or ice car than any other, including Athearn and Lobaugh. Rugged, fairly accurate, beautiful lithography (or silk screen, or whatever) and inexpensive. I already have too many, or I would be snapping the $15 ones up.
Brother_Love posted:I’m still looking for a watermelon car ........
Easier to scratchbuild and that way you build whatever version of a ventilated car you want, and even better, you can use dry transfers from Clover House.
Should be easy for you!!! Lots easier than a caboose.
bob2 posted:I am with you on this- I would rather have an AN box or ice car than any other, including Athearn and Lobaugh. Rugged, fairly accurate, beautiful lithography (or silk screen, or whatever) and inexpensive. I already have too many, or I would be snapping the $15 ones up.
Some sellers on the Bay seem to think they are worth a lot more than $15;
Anyway, a friend of mine noted that as they age, they take on a patina that is like a first step in weathering.
Replace some parts (doors, ladders) and they match up well to anything brass. Now to find an easy way to hide the nail holes...
The first freight car kit I built was an All Nation about 25 years ago. In hindsight, I did a poor job, but it didn't turn out too bad and was well received running on the Tinplate Trackers modular layout. If I build another one, I think I can do a better job since I [more or less] know what I'm doing. Considering the era they were produced in, the graphics were very good on the car sides, plus the cores were well done, and the parts fit well.
I love these kits. They hold their own on detail in spite of their age when running in a full train.
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I’ve been looking for plans for a ventilated boxcar without success.
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On the prices - sure, I see them for $89.95 and $32 shipping and handling. But right next to those you will find perfectly good models with metal trucks for $15 and $11.95 shipping. The (regulated) free market rules!
My latest were a pair of EJ&E green boxes. Bargain!
Brother_Love posted:I’ve been looking for plans for a ventilated boxcar without success.
Kit plans: HOSeeker.net > Literature > Northeastern webpage
Old Goat
rex desilets posted:Now to find an easy way to hide the nail holes...
nbw castings from Tichy
I'd think the old computer file of Model Railroader would have plans for a ventilated box. That and old RMC's and others. (Unfortunately, l mostly saved issues with cabooses, rail critters, and structures) l just flipped through a few of my stacks, and l vaguely recall seeing such plans, but hopeless to find fast
MR: 2/72 CoG ventilated, drawing, (no prototype photo), HO build. 12/75 FEC ventilated, drawing, prototype photo from Car Builder's 'Cyclopedia, 1922, Tenth Edition.
The N&W Historical Society has drawings for a ventilated boxcar in their archives. This includes general arrangements as well as many specific detail drawings.
The Southern Railway Historical Association may be a second resource. Unfortunately, their collection isn't fully cataloged online like the NWHS, so you would need to send them an email to inquire about available content.
Jim