The prototype is a fairly faithful example of a C&O
Pullman coach that saw service in the “aftermarket” on D&RGW, C&NW, and
SP:
“The car is in two sections divided in the center. Fifty-nine coaches in the 1610-1668 series
were delivered to the C&O by Pullman in 1950 for service on most C&O
trains, including the George Washington.
Eight of these cars were sold to the D&RGW. Good photographs of this car are on page 8 of
Chesapeake and Ohio color guide to freight and passenger equipment. C&O removed the corrugations in 1967.”
Amtrak? Not too sure how authentic it is, but it was
different from the smooth-side coaches offered:
Later, rather recently, it was included in the Centralia Car
Shops production as well:
Comparing the two only shows the limitations of “good enough”
when the Con Cor version was released:
The main problem was mechanical; the trucks were held in
place by plastic clips molded into the sideframe. And they liked to break off,
leaving the truck almost useless. Sure, you could fill the hole in the body,
and use a screw, but it wasn’t the strongest link in the car’s chain by far.
The other disadvantage was trying to light it, like all
other Con Cor cars (until the later Rivarossi re-brands), was practically
impossible. The CCS car offers this ready to run, and for once, I am almost
pleased with the effect. I have been pretty cruel to the result in other cars,
as it looked far too dim. But in this case, it does look pretty good:
Next time?
