MTH Prototype Test Paint shells: need info

Beware. No frames or bottom to mount trucks to, no doors either.

Ir really depends on what you want the parts for. As SPSF said, they often aren't "complete" shells as they were for paint sample testing, but they're good for parts. If those are from PerrysToyExchange the photos are usually very accurate. I've bought shells from him before for a couple of projects.

Beware. No frames or bottom to mount trucks to, no doors either.

Correct! NO bottom steel frame or plastic subframe, trucks, doors, roofwalks. And MTH willl NOT sell you those parts either!

Rats! I was hoping to score some cheap freight cars for my sidings.

billshoff,

Here's a color photo. of two N.H. box cars, for comparison, one 'Red/Orange' and one 'Black.'

http://www.rrpicturearchives.n...ture.aspx?id=1001219

RJL

Bill, I've been tempted a few times, then see what you have to add. Good trucks aren't cheap. Plus where to you get all the other stuff like brake wheels, etc. I don't think it's a good deal.

I don't think there's any kind of collector market for this kind of thing for a long, long time, if ever. We will be both be drooling in our dribble cuts by the time they are worth any more than now. Don

I have bought a few.  They are great if you can't find the rail flag you want but there are more popular names available that you can switch out for it (an example of this being you want a Mon Valley 3 bay hopper and you have a 3 bay hopper in the same series that you don't want.  A few screws and you have the car you want)  That's when in works.  But for other ones (ex. caboose) where key plastic parts are missing I would steer way clear (unless you want to try to make a modified work car. 

I would also add some are fails in that the colors are not right but the ads are up front about this.

By the time you add all those parts it would have been cheaper just to buy a used car on ebay.  The only thing these shells are good for is if you have a junk or salvage company scene on your layout

They can always be used for lumber camp cabins or fishing tackle & bait shanties, a hunting lodge, or add one to a hobo camp, or make a rail yard field office, or a junk yard office.  There's plenty of creative uses for them, just not on the rails.Think outside the box.  I think I've just added a few rainy day projects for myself.

...or in the yard of a box car factory.

Bill, I've been tempted a few times, then see what you have to add. Good trucks aren't cheap. Plus where to you get all the other stuff like brake wheels, etc. I don't think it's a good deal.

Correct! Even if you purchase Brass O scale parts it would cost you more than what the car is worth. And Now you have to paint those parts too adding more $$ to the cost.