What is available in passenger car sets that will run an 18" radius in a lighted car of reasonable quality and price? (Manufacturer and source) I have an 18 and 22 radius oval and would like to run on both. I'm not concerned with overhang as long as operation is reliable. I've looked on ebay and the net and can't seem to come up with much.
i have 6 passenger cars and they handel fine on both types of turns
a little trouble in my tunnel but they fair well
I have purchased a number of the old Rivarossi 4 coach sets of their 60' passenger coaches. I have purchased these primarily off e-bay. I have run these on 18" curves without any problems.
If you check Rivarossi has very similar if not exact coaches now, the come in unmarked, Pennsy and Chicago Great Northern . There are coaches and baggage cars only at the moment.
As luck would have it there is one set available now.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/HO-Rivarossi-Passenger-Car-Set-Northern-Pacific-600233-/220711014481?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item336366d051
These coaches have great detail, have interiors but are not lighted. There were lighting kits available for these which also show up on e-bay at times. Another lighting source would be Rapido which sells lighting kits.
If you check Con Cor you will find that they are about to release a number of shorter passenger kits that will run fine on 18" curves.
http://www.con-cor.com/094200BCS.html
I have preorded a couple of these sets.
Geno-
It depends -- do you want older style heavyweight trains or more modern, streamlined lightweight cars? For the older ones, many different companies made plastic-bodied cars with either zamac or plastic undercarriages. Their Talgo trucks were junk but they are easily replaced. Bowser, Penn Line and Mantua all come to mind but there are other manufacturers, too. You should be able to find them on ebay or other online used equipment sites.
For streamliners, you can find the "shortie" brass models made by Tenshodo for very reasonable prices on ebay. Or, OK, Penn Line and Mantua made extruded aluminum, corregated side cars which are very attractive, well made and inexpensive. I think that OK might still make these. Just be sure to get the short cars as they also made full-length 80-foot cars.
If you want to go really old, look for the open-ended plastic models made by several manufacturers or build your own from LaBelle's open- or closed-vestibule wooden kits.
In all cases, use quality trucks, body-mounted couplers and correct weight. I suggest LED lighting, maybe even battery powered with a tiny on-off switch underneath or a reed switch mounted under the roof which you can work with a magnet.
-- D
The Bachmann cars require 22" radius, the Rapido cars require 26" radius without trimming detail parts and using long shank couplers. The Life Like cars would work, but you can't back them up, they are lighted though.
Check Roundhouse's line of old time cars....
The 50 foot Overlands.....
http://www.roundhousetrains.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=50'+Overland&CatID=THRP (http://www.roundhousetrains.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=50'+Overland&CatID=THRP)
And the 34 foot Overton's.....
http://www.roundhousetrains.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=Overton&CatID=THRP (http://www.roundhousetrains.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=Overton&CatID=THRP)
Sid
I'm probably looking for a streamliner type car kind of like the Lionel or American Flyer cars of the 1950's in appearance. Predominately silver with a stripe would look good. I have been watching ebay but nothing seems to come up. I'm sure it will in time and a couple of shows are not too far in the future. I will look there. Any other ideas from anyone?
Just remember, passenger cars that are 89 feet long are not going to work with 18" radius curves.
Geno-
You're describing the aluminum extrusions. Search on ebay for OK, Mantua and Penn Line.
-- D
Athearn streamline cars ought to run on 18"R curves. They're "shorties" (about 70') and have truck mounted couplers. They're on e-Bay all the time. They're "shake the box" kits and very easy to light. The PRR cars are tuscan red; all the others are silver with a contrasting stripe.
OldTimer
Here is a picture of an Athearn kit car. Note that the center wheels were removed when I took the photo. Note also the brass strip that I used to light them. One drawback of lighting them is that it causes there to be some resistance to rolling with the center wheel. Also, after I installed lights, they would derail on 18" radius. So if you forgo the lights you can run them on 18" radius without any issues for sure. If you tinker a bit then you'll probably find a solution to run them with the lights on 18" radius.
(http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/simko_n/IM000749.jpg?t=1297436139)
Quote from: Doneldon on February 11, 2011, 12:29:57 AM
Geno-
You're describing the aluminum extrusions. Search on ebay for OK, Mantua and Penn Line.
-- D
Also search under Tyco. I got a 4-car set of these, lettered for the Santa Fe, that were listed under Tyco. They were brand-new, never-used, 40-year-old cars, but they dated from the days when Tyco was Mantua's ready-to-run line, and they're great.
JBJ-
You're right. I forgot Tyco, even though I have a couple of the 80-foot Tycos.
ACY-
Easy-Peasey lights would work without adding any drag but it's probably foolish to spend twice as much on the lights as on the kits. I do have two reservations about the Athearn kits: First, they require serious additional weight and, second, IMHO, the Athearn trucks are total junk.
-- D
Quote from: WoundedBear on February 10, 2011, 10:45:41 PM
Check Roundhouse's line of old time cars....
The 50 foot Overlands.....
http://www.roundhousetrains.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=50'+Overland&CatID=THRP (http://www.roundhousetrains.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=50'+Overland&CatID=THRP)
And the 34 foot Overton's.....
http://www.roundhousetrains.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=Overton&CatID=THRP (http://www.roundhousetrains.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=Overton&CatID=THRP)
Sid
That is what I did on my 18/22 ovals --ran as a fanfare type consist
Now I have 22/24 ovals but still do the same with a 4-4-0 modern ----4-6-0----4-4-0 old timer
(http://bandb3536.com/meo/meopass/ffairoverland.jpg)
(http://bandb3536.com/meo/meopass/ffairoverton.jpg)
Thanks very much for all your replies. I think the look I've settled on is the Tyco lighted cars from probably the 1960's. I actually had a couple of these given to me by a friend but didn't know what they were. Anyway I scored a set on ebay and I think they will be just perfect. I would think some company would reissue these and that they would sell to people who are beginners or not interested or able to build large radius layouts but want a passenger look. Thanks again all!
Quote from: Geno on February 13, 2011, 06:43:43 PM
Thanks very much for all your replies. I think the look I've settled on is the Tyco lighted cars from probably the 1960's. I actually had a couple of these given to me by a friend but didn't know what they were. Anyway I scored a set on ebay and I think they will be just perfect. I would think some company would reissue these and that they would sell to people who are beginners or not interested or able to build large radius layouts but want a passenger look. Thanks again all!
I'm sure these will work well for you. I have no trouble running these cars on 18"-radius curves.
Quote from: OldTimer on February 11, 2011, 08:03:23 AM
Athearn streamline cars ought to run on 18"R curves. They're "shorties" (about 70') and have truck mounted couplers. They're on e-Bay all the time. They're "shake the box" kits and very easy to light. The PRR cars are tuscan red; all the others are silver with a contrasting stripe.
OldTimer
Does anybody happen to know the length, in scale feet, of the Athearn heavyweight passenger cars?
I was just on the web site but coudn't find that information--which, of course, doesn't mean it's not there. ... ::)
Quote from: Johnson Bar Jeff on February 18, 2011, 09:51:32 AM
Does anybody happen to know the length, in scale feet, of the Athearn heavyweight passenger cars?
I was just on the web site but coudn't find that information--which, of course, doesn't mean it's not there. ... ::)
I think they are 70' or .804' (9.644") if you measure with a ruler. I don't have mine handy to measure for sure, but even though they are not the full 89', they still run best on 22" radius or greater.
Quote from: ACY on February 18, 2011, 10:13:55 AM
I think they are 70' or .804' (9.644") if you measure with a ruler. I don't have mine handy to measure for sure, but even though they are not the full 89', they still run best on 22" radius or greater.
Thanks!
I've never had trouble running them on 18"-radius, though I'm sure they look better on a wider curve. But I never knew how many feet long those cars are supposed to be.
Standard protype heavyweight and streamline passenger cars are 85' long, with specialized cars like some baggage, rpo (60', 72'), and cafe/diners (70', 72') being shorter, but not always.
A few of the eastern railroads, operated shorter 60' coaches over some routes, and there were also super long articulated cars out west, but the standard off the shelf 20th century passenger car clocked in at 85'.
Both the Athearn, and Con-Cor make Streamline cars that are 72' scale feet long, except the Athearn RPO which is shorter (60') and represent shortened versions of full size 85' cars.
Add-on light kits can be added to either brand, and properly installed have no effect on radius handling ability.
Full length cars, really need 30" or more radus curves to look right operating.
I know you want a long string of stainless steel beauties serving your local depot, we all do, but if you keep your train short, say 3-4 of the 72 footers, pulled by a single F7 or A-B set, it will look better and more in scale with your tight curves.
When it comes to passenger cars, remember "Broader is Better"
Funny-I really like the shorty psgr cars, but refused to pay ConCor's crazy price of $120 for 2. Walthers used to sell a nice full train set with shorty cars, but they stopped it. Anyway I just won an old 'new' set of 6 PRR Roundhouse Harriman Coaches on EBAY, all are short length - the funny part is that they had put detail in having setps at each corner of the car that drop down, but this limits the truck-mounted coupler so much that the car will choke on 18"r curves! I had to file off the innermost upper step on each corner to allow additional swing of the trucks. Since its the upper step, its kinda hidden by the sideframe of the coach anyway.
Who would have guessed a shorty car that would run well on 18"r - wierd.
Quote from: timhar47 on February 19, 2011, 12:54:36 PM
Funny-I really like the shorty psgr cars, but refused to pay ConCor's crazy price of $120 for 2. Walthers used to sell a nice full train set with shorty cars, but they stopped it. Anyway I just won an old 'new' set of 6 PRR Roundhouse Harriman Coaches on EBAY, all are short length - the funny part is that they had put detail in having setps at each corner of the car that drop down, but this limits the truck-mounted coupler so much that the car will choke on 18"r curves! I had to file off the innermost upper step on each corner to allow additional swing of the trucks. Since its the upper step, its kinda hidden by the sideframe of the coach anyway.
Who would have guessed a shorty car that would run well on 18"r - wierd.
The Walthers passenger set of shorty cars were the Rivarossi 60' cars. Rivarossi currently has the coach and baggage cars available in unmarked Pullman Green, Chicago Northwest and Pennsylvania livery. The older Rivarossi sets still show up on E=Bay. These cars are very detailed and come with interior finish.
Quote from: Pacific Northern on February 19, 2011, 05:48:33 PM
The Walthers passenger set of shorty cars were the Rivarossi 60' cars. Rivarossi currently has the coach and baggage cars available in unmarked Pullman Green, Chicago Northwest and Pennsylvania livery. The older Rivarossi sets still show up on E=Bay. These cars are very detailed and come with interior finish.
I just scored a set of four of these cars: baggage, RPO, combine, and coach. I'm looking forward to receiving them. I expect the combine and coach will see the most running on my small layout.
Quote from: timhar47 on February 19, 2011, 12:54:36 PM
Funny-I really like the shorty psgr cars, but refused to pay ConCor's crazy price of $120 for 2.
Not sure what you're looking at. Walthers web site shows Con-Cor 72ft HO passenger cars at $23.98 each:
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Passenger&scale=H&manu=223&item=&keywords=72&words=restrict&instock=Y&split=300&Submit=Search (http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Passenger&scale=H&manu=223&item=&keywords=72&words=restrict&instock=Y&split=300&Submit=Search)
Len
timhar-
The Walther's cars are very nice for the money, especially if you're looking for painted lightweights. I don't think the primarily stainless cars look as good because the silver paint looks like what it is, not stainless steel. If you want the shiny stainless look go for the aluminum extrusion cars. Polish them a little and spray with whatever shine level you prefer and you're set for a long while. They are good looking, strongly resemble stainless and are physically tough.
-- D
Quote from: Len on February 22, 2011, 02:37:09 PM
Quote from: timhar47 on February 19, 2011, 12:54:36 PM
Funny-I really like the shorty psgr cars, but refused to pay ConCor's crazy price of $120 for 2.
Not sure what you're looking at. Walthers web site shows Con-Cor 72ft HO passenger cars at $23.98 each:
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Passenger&scale=H&manu=223&item=&keywords=72&words=restrict&instock=Y&split=300&Submit=Search (http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Passenger&scale=H&manu=223&item=&keywords=72&words=restrict&instock=Y&split=300&Submit=Search)
Len
These are the new coaches made by Con Cor
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/223-94001
The level of detail on these coaches passes Walthers coaches.in my opinion
Nice cars! Were they a special run, or is Con-Cor doing a 'high end' series of cars along with their standard line??
Len
Quote from: Len on February 22, 2011, 04:00:42 PM
Nice cars! Were they a special run, or is Con-Cor doing a 'high end' series of cars along with their standard line??
Len
These cars are the Con Cor better quality cars. There are also a new set of 4 heavyweight cars that are to be released soon as well.
Branchline-Commuter-Suburban
http://www.con-cor.com/
http://www.con-cor.com/094200BCS.html
I have pre-ordered a few sets of these.
Quote from: Pacific Northern on February 23, 2011, 01:24:50 AM
These cars are the Con Cor better quality cars. There are also a new set of 4 heavyweight cars that are to be released soon as well.
Branchline-Commuter-Suburban
http://www.con-cor.com/
http://www.con-cor.com/094200BCS.html
I have pre-ordered a few sets of these.
I put in a pre-order for a coach and baggage/mail in the GN paint scheme. Might cancel it, though. The price is pretty steep. I have to think on this some more. :-\
Quote from: Johnson Bar Jeff on February 23, 2011, 03:12:41 PM
Quote from: Pacific Northern on February 23, 2011, 01:24:50 AM
These cars are the Con Cor better quality cars. There are also a new set of 4 heavyweight cars that are to be released soon as well.
Branchline-Commuter-Suburban
http://www.con-cor.com/
http://www.con-cor.com/094200BCS.html
I have pre-ordered a few sets of these.
I put in a pre-order for a coach and baggage/mail in the GN paint scheme. Might cancel it, though. The price is pretty steep. I have to think on this some more. :-\
I was going to order a set of the ConCor GN coaches as well, but I lucked out and recently found a couple of sets of the 60' Rivarossi in the GN Empire Builder scheme as well as the NP scheme as well.
Quote from: Pacific Northern on February 24, 2011, 12:38:47 AM
I was going to order a set of the ConCor GN coaches as well, but I lucked out and recently found a couple of sets of the 60' Rivarossi in the GN Empire Builder scheme as well as the NP scheme as well.
I've got an Athearn heavyweight GN RPO and coach in the Empire Builder paint scheme coming, and I'm currently bidding on a diner and observation--plus I've got a four-car set of the 60-ft. Rivarossis on watch on eBay! (Why couldn't these have showed up
before I placed the order with Con-Cor? :D)
I want these cars to run behind a late-model Mantua Atlantic in a GN paint scheme that I got for a song on eBay. I doubt it's accurate but I have to say I don't particularly mind. The engine looks beautiful and runs even better than it looks. It's a good engine for a small layout with 18"-radius curves--to bring this back to the subject of this thread. ;D
I've got an Athearn heavyweight GN RPO and coach in the Empire Builder paint scheme coming, and I'm currently bidding on a diner and observation--plus I've got a four-car set of the 60-ft. Rivarossis on watch on eBay! (Why couldn't these have showed up before I placed the order with Con-Cor? :D)
I want these cars to run behind a late-model Mantua Atlantic in a GN paint scheme that I got for a song on eBay. I doubt it's accurate but I have to say I don't particularly mind. The engine looks beautiful and runs even better than it looks. It's a good engine for a small layout with 18"-radius curves--to bring this back to the subject of this thread. ;D
[/quote]
I am running my 60' Rivarossi GN cars behind a Spectrum Ten Wheeler decaled for the GN as my Secondary branch line passenger coach.
On my Mainline I am running (alternate) the Walthers Empire Builder with the F units alternating with a Spectrum Heavy Mountain with the Vandy tender which was decaled for the GN.
The RPO and the coach arrived yesterday. They look very nice behind the Atlantic!
And I won the diner and the tail car!
I haven't decided yet on bidding on the Rivarossi set, or what I'm going to do about the Con-Cor order. I need to look into whether I can cancel it, just in case, though I'm tempted to keep it just because those Con-Cor cars are lighted. I do most of my running to relax in evenings, and I confess that I like lighted passenger cars. :D
I understand the Walthers "Builder" cars need a 22" radius minimum, and since I'm confined to 18" radius by space constraints, I'll be sticking with the Athearn, or the Rivarossi, or the Con-Cor cars.
I need to do some research into the history of the color scheme for the "Builder." I have a Mantua FA and FB pair, with a set of Mantua's streamlined cars lettered for the "Builder." The F units and the cars are painted orange and brown, which I thought was historically incorrect (I thought the "Builder" was orange and green), but the Athearn coach and RPO also came in painted orange and brown.
Clearly I have some homework to do! :D