Lets Talk Coil Cars

Yes, interesting cars, lots of good detai... but did the D&H run them Jason?... well, can't say I know for sur... so why did you get it?... well NormsOscale had them at a good pric... but it's such a grisly green colour....

Yes, but I do like Brussel sprouts at Christmas.  Please sir, I want some more.
Tiny Tim

Jason

I love how they look.  Unfortunately, they are too modern for the era I model.  In the 1950's, coils were transported in open gondolas.

George

@Jason Dickie posted:

Yes, interesting cars, lots of good detai... but did the D&H run them Jason?... well, can't say I know for sur... so why did you get it?... well NormsOscale had them at a good pric... but it's such a grisly green colour....

Yes, but I do like Brussel sprouts at Christmas.  Please sir, I want some more.
Tiny Tim

Jason

I noticed your coil car coupler matches the Kadee coupler height gauge. How did you get so lucky? I have to figure out how to lower my couplers so they are at the right height.

I wondered if you might notice, but I just counted myself lucky.  One of my fellow modellers here in the UK has been measuring back-to-backs and there have been some cynical comments along the lines of "what do you expect?" one brand having 3 wheelsets the same and in line with the NMRA stds, another none.

3-rail as the prevalent O-gauge over here is long gone and we assume that manufacturers supplying 2- and 3- versions of stock tell the factory not to get too worked up about more taxing 2-rail standards.

OK, I'll run for cover when I press

I like the Evans designed cars. I have some of the k-line cars.

Did you just look at pictures, or did you measure with a scale rule?

Years ago, I visited some train friends in the Cleveland area. In the former B&O yard, there were dozens of coil cars just sitting on the tracks. I thought I had photos, but unfortunately, I guess I didn't snap any, or they may have been on my old computer. I have one K Line coil car in Reading livery.

I have a few of the Overland Evans cars (some still to be painted) and a small collection of additional hoods that I've picked up over the years. 

@Curtis1983 posted:

A few years ago Atlas O produced the Coil Steel Cars in O scale.

This may have been reviewed on here before but I have to do my take on them.

Atlas's coil steel cars are based off of the National Steel Car prototype. National Steel Car built two types or sizes of the coil steel car. The first size/type is a 48' design. The second size/type is a 42' design.  After examining the pictures of the 42' coil steel car and comparing the prototype to the Atlas O scale model, I have to say Atlas did a fantastic job on accuracy and detail.

I give Atlas a grade of A or at least 5 stars.

The good and the bad.

Bad:

1. coupler height is off by 3 or 4mm compared to the Kadee coupler height gauge.

2. weight is a little on the light side. I need the NMRA scale to measure the correct weight for this car.

Good:

1. All details are fine and prototypical.

2. the hood is removable.

3. the walkways are see through. Walkways are plastic but look like metal.

4. All printing is crisp, clear and easy to read.

5. All railings are separately applied.

6. End stirrups/steps are prototypical in thickness.

7. There are 4 removable coils that are made of plastic.

8. Coupler cut lever bar

9. Grab irons are separately applied and made of metal.

I recently bought a second coil steel car and plan on buying a third. I believe the weight could be improved if Atlas used real metal for the coils or made the underside of the car mostly metal as they have done with their tank cars.  These coil steel cars are highly recommended for any modern freight train enthusiast.

I picked up a Postal scale for around $20 of "da Bay". Decided to give it to the club as we used it there quite often and bought another one. You can also find iron 1/2 and 1/4 ounce weights there as well and you'll be good to go.