Recent acquisitions & restoration projects.....

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Splendid!

Thanks!

Now I have another one to do that's slightly different, so I'll letter it differently when the time comes to do that........

[bob turner]

Yes, very nice. Did you scribe the wood planks?

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Yes, very nice. Did you scribe the wood planks?

They are scribed, but not by me - that's what I started out with.....

[2railjon]

What to do??? I picked this brass and wood (I’m assuming it’s a kit?) up for $20. Granted it’s a tad primitive by modern standards, but there is a certain charm about the brass and wood kit that really intrigues me.
I’m not sure if it’s a wagon-top or a round-top or even if there’s a difference, let alone not being sure if the Navy even used them. I’m open for suggestions!

[rogruth]

Jon,
What do you think is so wrong with it?
I'm serious. Looks good to me.

[J. S. Bach]

I like it as it is, leave the round-top car as it is.

[bob turner]

Me too. I have a similar car in brass without the external ribs. I will look for it . . . I was told it was pre-production brass import, and it did need finishing.

[2railjon]

OK, glad y’all chimed in!
Here’s what I need to know:
Whoever built it didn’t line parts up right so there are cracks.

Also, I’m not sure if the Navy actually used these cars, and lastly it looks incomplete without some proper door hardware. So do I strip and repaint? How to fix the spaces in the roof and sides, and what door hardware to order?

[J. S. Bach]

I still would leave it alone as once it is on the layout and operating, no one will really notice. Maybe the Navy did not use them; DOD just lettered them Navy to confuse the Russians!

[rogruth]

Are the doors upside down?
I thought the small tackboard went towards the bottom. Not sure.
When I checked some book photos it was inconsistent but most had them at the bottom.
Maybe turning them over would give a better fit for the doors.
Now that gap along the roofline is a different matter.
It is also missing the markings that should be on it, capy., lt. wt, etc.
But overall it is still a good looking car.
I'm sure you can fix it.

[2railjon]

Once again Sarge has kindly shared his advice! It appears to be a PRR X31a boxcar. And he shared some photos that give it a more accurate representation as opposed to the Navy fantasy theme!


Time to order some paint, decals, and search for some door hardware!

[Rufus T. Firefly]

Time to order some paint, decals, and search for some door hardware!

Might be an old Walthers kit that's been cudgeled together

Door hardware (and other goodies): http://www.choochenterprises.com/215.html

[2railjon]

Thank you, Rufus! A couple of sets are on the way!

[Chris Rock]

Jon,

B2 xxxx1.jpg (1.21 MiB) Viewed 3755 times

It could also be an N&W B2 but I'm biased.

The N&W car has flush sides with the roof like the model you've bought. The Pennsy car in the photo you've shown has a ledge at the top of each side. I do think the Pennsy had X31a or b or whatever cars with flush sides too so I think you are safe either way.

[2railjon]

Chris, thanks for the tip, and yes you’re biased!