Although I am a big fan of UP and ATSF locos and model that on my layout, my favorite named train is the Orient Express - both beause of the train and the written: Every one of the suspects did it!). MTH's latest offering has caused the like I had to turn to lust -- I just have to have one, with a tiny bloodsplattered Richard Widmark dead in the sleeper car and Peter Ustinov confronting Lauren Becall and Sean Connery in the lounge car, etc.
However:
- I ordered the French 241A loco. I'm not sure that it ever pulled the Orient Express but it looks a lot better than the German locos available and I am a big admirer of the French engineer Chapelon.
- The MTH passenger cars are beautiful and worth the money, but at 21 inchs way too long for my layout -- I have 72" curves but cars that long look unnatural on my layout going around curves even that tight.
- So, what could I substitute that is no longer than 18" - and preferably around 15-16"? I can disassemble, repaint in the blue/gray livery of the OE, make or have some decals made, and install a nice interior, etc.
Right now, I'm looking atthe MTH Madison cars, maybe six would be good here. They look about right for the between the wars era, and are around 16" long.
Seeking comments, advice, or other options to consider.
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