Back in the hobby, and modelling an M1 RPO facsimile

[NW Modeling List]

Have not seen the B&O RPO kit, but your proposal sounds reasonable. The PRR 
B60's were commonly run in N&W consists. And remember, N&W had their own version 
of this car, differing from the PRR car only in the doors. (both available from 
Walthers) Also, take a look at the Walthers 70' ACF baggage. It is reasonably 
close to an N&W BEg (1300 series). I have been modeling N&W head end cars by 
cutting the sides off Athearn heavyweight baggage cars, cutting them up and 
rearranging to put doors in proper places, and then reassembling the car 
(sometimes shortening the roof and floor to suit. They are still not accurate, 
but at least now look like N&W cars. Currently available decals do not have 
"RAILWAY EXPRESS" or "STORAGE MAIL" or "UNITED STATES MAIL RAILWAY POST OFFICE," 
but I make them up one letter at a time from the car names in the decal sheet. 
Incidently, I have done an M1 RPO by cutting up an Athearn RPO/baggage and using 
a section of streamlined roof with the ends reshaped. Your plan sounds easier, 
but I am an inveterate scratchbuilder.       Jim Nichols




________________________________
From: NW Modeling List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>
To: nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org
Sent: Mon, December 27, 2010 2:41:27 AM
Subject: Back in the hobby, and modelling an M1 RPO facsimile

Hi all, 

After many years of ogling HO models and checking out other interests, I am 
ready to start doing HO trains in some capacity again, and I chose a railroad 
always near and dear to me, the N&W in the late '50s. I have little to no room 
for a layout, but decided that just leaves me to concentrate on what I really 
love: passenger cars and passenger trains. No surprise, I am excited that MTH is 
releasing the Powhatan Arrow.

Aside the Powhatan Arrow, I'd like to also build up a Pocahontas consist, and 
have been searching out available cars for that. And thus have several questions 
related to modeling both trains. 

For one, I checked out Bethlehem Car Works B&O H11 RPO kit, and after comparing 
to photos online and in Wiley and Wallace's Norfolk and Western handbook, I'm 
thinking a  facsimile could be modeled if one replaces the clerestory roof with 
an arch roof, uses appropriate 4-wheel trucks, and the same roof vents from 
their BEk baggage-express car. And of course, do not use the fishbelly 
under-frame parts. What do you all think? 

Also, could a PRR B60 baggage car be realistically be included in either N&W 
consist? I recall reading once B60s ventured out of PRR territory during their 
years of service. 

Thank you in advance
Alvie Hearren
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