Scratch building cars
Frank Palmer got me started on building freight cars in 1:20.3 when I was a member of the Sundance Central Modular Railroad. I found a book in my library by Mallory Hope Ferrell on the Southern Pacific Narrow Gauge. Since my narrow gauge Live Oak and Northern is loosely patterned on the SP, I started looking for cars that I could build that would be unique.
My first project was auxiliary water tender. These were quite common since the railroad ran through desert, and water was scarce. Each of these cars was built in local shops from existing narrow gauge tank cars. My project car came out nicely, and it can be seen on my web site.
My next project involves making a combine/caboose. The narrow gauge railroad never had a true caboose, so they used passenger cars at the rear of their trains, with the combine being equally suited for freight, caboose crew, and passengers. The car had a true roof walk for the brakeman, and the baggage compartment was set up with toilet, galley, and of course a conductor's desk.
This car was built from scratch using basswood and using drawings from the SP Narrow Gauge book. All hardware was from Ozark Miniatures. This hardware included doors, windows, full brake gear, markers, and interior details like coffee pot and cups, water cooler, lanterns, fire extinguishers, spittoons, end railings, steps, and tool boxes. A lot of detail was fabricated such as the toilet, sink, desks, chair, books, clip boards, pencils, all grabs, fuel tanks for the stoves, crates for baggage, signal flags, and even a roll of toilet paper. The trucks and wheels were 1:20.3 metal ones that Frank Palmer gave me years ago.
Construction was totally board on board with the exception of the roof. Per Frank's advice, I used two Bachmann roofs from their passenger cars. I split them down the middle and then cut them in half. By splicing in extra pieces, I was able to get the length and width I needed. Seams were filled with Squadron Green Putty and thoroughly sanded. I saved the green clerestory window inserts from the original roofs, and re-used them. I modified, painted, the original Bachman stoves. I also used the original Bachmann smoke jacks on the roof. I bought coach seats from Accucraft for the passenger section. Additional cargo came from Cargo to Go, and figures were purchased from Railroad Ave.Express.
Lighting was done with LED's for all lamps, interior lights, and markers. I found some coin battery holders which were easy to hide inside the car to power the LEDS.
The interior was painted a cream color, and the exterior was painted Santa Fe Mineral brown. Couplers were added from Accucraft. All lettering was done with white dry transfers. Window shades were made by cutting up a manila file folder. A light coat of weathering was added and the car was ready to roll.
