On what prototype is the AAR 40' box car based?

[David Leonard]

There are many versions of AAR 40' steel box cars. What prototype version matches the upcoming Bachmann model? Opinions are welcome of course, but I'd like a definitive answer from Bachmann itself. I am curious.  Thanks.

[johnTom]

There are many versions of AAR 40' steel box cars. What prototype version matches the upcoming Bachmann model? Opinions are welcome of course, but I'd like a definitive answer from Bachmann itself. I am curious.  Thanks.

My thought would be a b & o or READING 1937 AAR series boxcar being that Bachmann is in Philadelphia, PA..

                                           Tom

[sirenwerks]

Conjecture's always fun, but I'm with David... which car is it based on? (Better photos featuring more angles of the car would help too)

I'm also about the specific prototype for the recently announced N scale tank car.

[Williamson]

It appears Bachmann is holding this secret info in the Bachmann vault!

[the Bach-man]

Dear All,
The car is an AAR 1937 standard steel boxcar, original plans for which are in Mr. Riley's collection.
Have fun!
the Bach-man

[Country Joe]

Dear All,
The car is an AAR 1937 standard steel boxcar, original plans for which are in Mr. Riley's collection.
Have fun!
the Bach-man

Thanks for the info Bach-man. These look like they will be outstanding cars. I really like the direction Bachmann is heading.

[wcfn100]

Dear All,
The car is an AAR 1937 standard steel boxcar, original plans for which are in Mr. Riley's collection.
Have fun!
the Bach-man

I've seen drawings for 1937 AAR cars, and I've seen pictures of the various end panel configurations.  I can't say I've ever seen this one. And in fact, it would appear to be closest to a Pullman Standard PS-1 end which wasn't around until 1947.


Can anyone provide a photo, drawing or link showing this particular roof/end combination?

Jason

[sirenwerks]

Jason's right, that definitely is a PS1 car end. If you're going to make a riveted-side PS1, great (though few roads had them - C&NW being the most). BUT you really should include the correct Pullman Standard roof (and fix the peg-and-hole running board mount design you're using while you're at it, it's so old school).

However, if you're trying to offer the car you claim the model is patterned after, you might want to provide a correct end design.

Otherwise I wouldn't expect a lot of prototype-conscious modelers (and you'd be in awe of how many N scale modelers are prototype-conscious) to clamor to buy the car as is. You're likely to end up with a sales dud on your hands.

Thanks for the separate side and end ladders! Perhaps you'd consider a reefer for your next N scale release, something not currently available but popular. Like the popular General American design - http://www.stlouisnrhs.org/MOT_Treasure/Images/2011_05.jpg. Walthers released the car in HO. It was used by numerous roads and private shippers (see the last half of the Morning Sun Reefer Color Guide for the wealth of paint jobs you could release). The rivet line that runs down the center, length of the body is its distinctive trademark, that set it apart from the PFE-style cars currently available in N. This car's a much needed model for steam era to 1970s modelers.

[sirenwerks]

This from a reply to an email pointing out the potential design flaw in the model -

"The first test shot was shown in Sacramento. It had many errors which are being corrected. It is an ACF 1937 40 foot 50 ton box car. It was taken directly from the original ACF drawings, not something from the magazines and re-drawn. Any time you see the first shots from the manufacturer there are always many things to be worked on. This project has been in the works for several years.  Thank you very much.

With Best Regards,

Lee Riley
Vice President of Product Development"

Reassuring to a degree. I've seen test shots of models with inaccuracies, and I applaud manufactures for publicly floating such pre-release models as a vetting process for the final product. Yet, the dartless PS1-like end is a considerable departure from ACF-designs to just randomly slap on a pre-release model being floated around. Do they expect people not to notice or not to speak up? Perhaps this would have been an instance where a drawing, rather than a 3D mock-up, would have been a better vehicle for an announcement.

[Ron McF]

Hi Mr Bach-Man.

I read elsewhere that models of the new 40' box car and 10K gallon tank car were shown at the iHobby show in Chicago. Does Bachmann have any photos that it can share with those of us who couldn't attend that show?

Regards,
Ron McF
Australia