IIRC The Pacific Western cars are just custom painted Intermountain Railway cars. Those cars are worthy if the price paid in detail alone. The couplers could be a problem unless you are modeling North America and all equipment is equipped with the same style couplers.

When using the Xuron cutters make sure the flat side of the cutter is facing the side of the cut you are saving. After cutting flip the currters over and trim the cut end of the scrap piece if you are going to use it elsewhere. If using the rotary cut off tool with the standard abrasive disks use caution as they break easy and fly far at high speed. It is more expensive ($15-20US) but the diamond cutting wheel won't break easy and lasts for a really long time.

They do indeed look like the old Rivarossi cars. If you want to remove the talgo style couplers you can use the body coupler conversions from Adair Shops. They are available from my shop and I can do the conversions for you. As for lighting you could use the Easy Peasy lighting from Rapido Trains, also available from my shop, that are battery powered so truck wiring and dirty track won't factor in.

www.metrohobbies.goods.officelive.com

It is expected in Nov 2011. Advance reservations are being taken at www.metrohobbies.goods.officelive.com

Try Palace Car Company interiors with weights and Adair Shops coupler conversions to eliminate talgo couplers. Also metal wheels should help. All three are available from www.metrohobbies.goods.officelive.com

I am planning on stocking these cabeese. I hope they will be done well as my father also models Reading. We also hope a red Reading scheme comes soon.

I actually have some Custom Finishing Models ditch light castings in stock. Feel free to contact me off-list mhinfo@charter.net or www.metrohobbies.goods.officelive.com