RAIL CRAFT Models O scale freight cars

There's a story that Mr. Beeman was an industrial arts teacher in the St. Louis school system.  He did the dies and hired his better students to assemble the cars after school.  In those depression days the extra income was probably welcomed by the kids families.  I have the Wabash hopper and the MP gondola in my collection.  They look good on the track.  If anyone's interested, e-mail me.  I can post them on the "Sell" page.

                                                                                                                                     Logan

I have a few examples - I found the gons needed a more rigid floor, so I bolted in an .032 brass floor above the original floor.  Oversized rivets are done with artistic license - true scale size rivets can disappear with a couple coats of paint.

I just saw this, but I love those cars, they are really nice little cars.  I have both gondolas and I think all three types of short hopper cars.

What I like about most about the Rail Craft gondolas and hopper cars will make you cringe!  I like to hammer the inside walls of those rail cars to give a realistic battered look to the exteriors.  The thin sheet metal gives fairly easily for this effect.  Nothing worse than a funky old weathered hopper or gon models with dent-free sides.

Kinda morbid hammering them, but when it comes to REALISM, tough love is a good thing! 

---Salty Rails---

It would be tempting, but man, they don't grow on trees!  Have to admit, I bet they do look outstanding with a good paint and weather job.

Dennis---NOT all Rail  Craft freight cars were constructed equally!  Some have sloppy soldering or a lot of wear and tear. Those are the candidates I choose for my destructive deeds. They do not cost nearly as much as brass.  Is THAT reasonable enough?  I would NEVER disrespect the one and ONLY Rail Craft line!

-Salty Rails-

Oh, trust me, I agree with your thoughts.  I've seen so crappy ones too.  I've also seen real nice ones with paint and maybe some extra details go for more money than a new plastic scale car.  That is the same outlook I have with prewar Lionel stuff.  I find the crappiest junk to restore and or customize.