A general question to the entire group

[NW Modeling List]

Eric, 



I am approaching 25 years working on my layout....and still not near complete! 



I have always kept an eye out for available models that closely resembled the N&W prototypes; for a long time there really was very little that was close.  MDC (Roundhouse) offered their 3-bay ribbed side hopper in multiple numbers for N&W and Virginian. The model isn't really accurate for either, but it was what was available. 



The Athearn 34 foot rib side hopper is close to a VGN prototype and these have been offered from time to time in multiple numbers. 



I too have acquired the Stewart/Bowser cars (or most of them) available through NWHS.  I also have picked up the H-2a models done by Broadway. 



I have also added cars by purchasing undecorated models, building them and applying decals.  I have built more-than-I-care-to-remember of the Eastern Car Works H-2/H-2a/H-3 hopper kits. 



Although the Shenandoah Division doesn't need as many hoppers as a "coal focused layout" I still need more hoppers since N&W shipped a lot of coal north up the valley to connections with B&O and PRR. 



Some options are: 



1.  Just keep purchasing the decorated models as they are produced (if you are willing to accept non-prototypical models this will allow more quantity) (Also, Bob Chapman did a series in the Arrow a few years ago, part or all of which was repeated in Mainline Modeler; Bob showed how to modify the available cars to be more prototypical for N&W; his articles are excellent.) 



2.  Pick-up undecorated models and paint/decal them yourself; IIRC, the Commissary offers decal sets for hoppers and a number set. 



3.  If you can afford it, have a run produced by your mfg. of preference; my suggestion would be to have the cars decorated with all lettering, reporting marks, etc., but NO numbers; you could then have decals made of the numbers and apply them. 



4.  A variation of the #3 would be to purchase the models undecorated from the mfg and have a third party paint/stencil them. 



I'm hopeful more N&W hopper models will become available; however, I would expect these to be produced in a medium other than plastic.  Adding a few of these will give some nice variation to the fleet.  In the past, I believe Overland Models produced the N&W H-4 in brass; this was the war-time emergency hopper and as built had wood sides; the sides were eventually replaced with steel.  N&W only had 1,000 of these cars, but they really stand out in a train.  I managed to find a steel side version of the brass car. 



Keep the faith; part of the fun is getting there! 



Jim Brewer 

Glenwood MD 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "NW Modeling List" <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> 
To: "NW Modeling List" <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> 
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 9:21:42 AM 
Subject: A general question to the entire group 

Gentlemen: 

I am still building my N&W coal focused layout.... into year 5... 

how does one acquire the vast numbers of coal cars w/ correct but non 
repeating numbers... ie buying 500 athern offset coal cars.. 

I have been purchasing via NWHS the bowser sets and also the Accurail 
55ton cars as they become available... 

This is still taking yrs to build up a 200-300 car set. 

How have those of you who done this over the yrs? ie Jim Brewer's huge 
layout as just one quick example. 

Thanks 
Eric Raitch 

> NW-Modeling-List at nwhs.org 

> To change your subscription go to 

> http://list.nwhs.org/mailman/options/nw-modeling-list 

> Browse the NW-Modeling-List archives at 

> http://list.nwhs.org/pipermail/nw-modeling-list/ 

________________________________________ 
NW-Modeling-List at nwhs.org 
To change your subscription go to 
http://list.nwhs.org/mailman/options/nw-modeling-list 
Browse the NW-Modeling-List archives at 
http://list.nwhs.org/pipermail/nw-modeling-list/ 
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://six.pairlist.net/pipermail/nw-modeling-list/attachments/20101026/9986160b/attachment.htm>