PENN CENTRAL FANS: An O-Gauge Product Checklist and Discussion Thread

Nick,

They're out there.  You just have to watch for them.  I wouldn't buy the whole set just for the one car.  I'll keep an eye out at the shows I go to up this way for ya.

Nick,

Thanks for the tip about the  cab # on the 3rd Rail dummy.

I was able to get a hold of Scott and Shani to make sure I get the right one.  My powered number is 5115 so I need the 5111.

Thanks again!

Already placed my order for that MTH Amtrak Turbo Train.  Can't wait!!!

I really like that Lionel handcar conversion kit....give it a completely different look!

Alan

I'll be buying this gang car to mount it on. I feel it's the best match because it'll be all black. I'd also prefer to use the painted figures on this car as opposed to the all black figures in the kit.

Nick...good choice!

Alan

Nick,

I went for the Lionel Legacy SD70's as well.

But I did order that new Amtrak turbo train.  I love it!

In the new MTH Volume 2 catalog, there is a Penn Central Gondola.

Can it be included.

30-27120

Andrew

For my personal list, no, as it's a RailKing (semi-scale) item. Still a nice addition for those that are less discriminating though.

If you didn't see my separate thread asking for paint selection advice, I finally found an undecorated Weaver B60 baggage car (round windows, round roof w/ vents) for my PC passenger consist. Will post photos of my progress on it as the supplies arrive.

Good luck with it Nick.

Can't wait to see the pics as you go!

I thought this item would be interesting for my fellow Penn Central fans. After more than thirty years of service, a former New Haven ALCo high hood locomotive was still on PC's active roster in 1970. Although the unit is pictured still in New Haven colors, it has been renumbered to 9411 and is indeed a PC locomotive:

Bob

In the Lionel Signature Edition 2014 catalog there is a Penn Central round-roof boxcar.

Is that an accurate O scale model?

Andrew

 Which manufactures have made Penn Central GP 38's, and what are the catalog numbers?  Thank you.

Andrew - Not sure. Best thing to do is Google the car number on the model to see if it turns up any photos of the real world prototype.

Dragon - Williams by Bachmann makes a traditionally detailed one, don't know the item number though.

I've been modeling the Penn Central in 0 scale 2-rail for the past 24 years on my "Philadelphia & Erie"

Penncentralpete, NJ

I finally got my K-Line PC GP38!  Well, I had to make it myself, but I got It!  Found a NS unit without dynamic brakes.  Got a new brake blister from Lionel (They used the same tooling)  Upgraded the RailSounds with a Generic Diesel sound board. I installed an ERR Cruise M and LED lights.  Painted and applied Micro Scale decals.  Looks good with my MTH GP40 dummy.  Runs great, especially at low speeds.  I'll try to post some pics sometime.  Having trouble getting them to post for some reason.

Tom 

Finally got a picture to upload. 

K-Line GP38 mu'd with an MTH GP40 dummy.

Tom, am I seeing things or is there a big upward bow in the frame of that diesel? Probably prototypical for PC anyway 

Interesting subject matter.  Realizing that I had missed all the previous discussion on the PC a year ago,  I thought I might still comment at this late date. 

Have a good friend in our "Tuesday night crew" that is a big PC fan.  Why?  Because it was around when he was a kid.  While we laughed at the "big mistake" and anguished over the loss of two great RR's, he simply enjoyed seeing the engines that were in use around town and was impressed with various new locomotives and paint jobs.  So, today the PC is gone and he can reminisce over his "old" memories and grouse about the Conrail that followed and the NS/CSX that followed that.

I understand.  My memories, which I try to bring back through my 1950's layout, are from the time when I was a kid, getting interested in trains and following the transition of the world from steam to diesel.  For you guys, that period, which had it's share of disappointments as did my era, came during your youth when you were first observing railroading and learning of the pleasures of being a railfan.

So what I'm trying to say is that I don't belittle your interest in the PC but can appreciate why you enjoy the period.  New kids, those that become railfans, have new eras to get fuel their interests.

Paul Fischer

Nick,

I saw the bow as soon as I posted the photo. Took it apart to see what the problem was.  I had a wire stuck beneath the plastic walkway.  Looks much better now.

Tom