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Jan 31, 2002
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GR42 Coil Steel: Walthers HO
Walthers makes a great replica of this class of coil steel cars in HO. So far I have built a couple of them. While some of the parts are a bit fragile, careful handling has avoided any damage so far. You can run these cars either with or without the hoods, as well as mix and match hoods from other railroads, which is quite common do to the way these cars are loaded at mills. (The hood that was on the top of the stack gets placed on the next car in line, regardless of owner.) Walthers supplies the angled hoods. I have not been able to track down any curved hoods, though they were made at one time by another manufacturer.
I really can't remember the last time I saw one of these cars without its hoods on a moving train. Walthers does make model coils you can place in the wells.
Because these cars are extremely light, the best way to model these cars is with the hoods in place. Weigh the car with hoods in place. Then add the proper amount of weight to the well of the car, making sure not to interfere with the hoods. Some people prefer strips of lead, while other prefer 'BB shot' glued in place. Use what you prefer. When done, attach the hoods and place the car in service.
For that extra added touch of realism, weather the car using photos on the CRCyc as a guide. I only slightly weathered my cars and they have gotten rave reviews from everyone who sees them. They are just an interesting car in a train of boxcars. Give them a try.
Copyright (c) 1998-2009 Robert S. Waller. All rights reserved.
Photos for personal use only. All rights reserved by original owner of image.
Reproduction or redistribution in any form without express written permission is prohibited.
Walthers makes a great replica of this class of coil steel cars in HO. So far I have built a couple of them. While some of the parts are a bit fragile, careful handling has avoided any damage so far. You can run these cars either with or without the hoods, as well as mix and match hoods from other railroads, which is quite common do to the way these cars are loaded at mills. (The hood that was on the top of the stack gets placed on the next car in line, regardless of owner.) Walthers supplies the angled hoods. I have not been able to track down any curved hoods, though they were made at one time by another manufacturer.