Wheels of Time Blog
Wednesday
Apr302014

Illinois Central "Death Star"

Okay modern railroad fans, this one is for you! Illinois Central, a frugal railroad, used their old baggage cars for Maintenance-of-Way service. Here's one that was actually painted with the cool stealth looking "Death Star" logo. We hope to do some experimenting in making the roof look rusty too. Pre-orders are due on May 19th.

Tuesday
Apr292014

Photo Inspiration: Martinez-Bencia Bridge on the Cal-P Line

Large civil engineering works such as this Martinez-Benicia Bridge built over the Suisun Bay in 1930 by the Southern Pacific Railroad are awe inspiring. All photos taken from Benicia. First photo is an Amtrak GE P42 deadheading some equipment on a cold afternoon. I wonder why the Surfliner car in Northern Cal. Next two photos are the Eastbound Capitol Corridor No. 533. The last photo a straight on shot of the bridge. Enjoy.

Tuesday
Apr292014

Denver Rio Grande & Western (ex. D.&S.L.)

The Denver Rio Grande & Western merged with the Denver & Salt Lake on March 3, 1947 - and along with it came this classic arched roof baggage car. It was originally built by American Car & Foundry in 1929 as D.& S.L No. 600 before being renumbered and repainted into DRG&W. The Prospector (Denver to Salt Lake - Ogden), Royal Gorge (Grand Junction to Salt Lake), Yampa Valley Mail (Denver to Craig) had this car in it's consist - of course not at the same time! Thanks to the way-back-machine, you can see the real thing in person at the Orange Empire Railway Museum. Back by popular demand, Wheels of Time will roll out this car in fall with pre-orders due by May 19th. 
Wednesday
Apr232014

Illinois Central in chocolate and orange!

Wheels of Time will roll out this classic N-scale 70-ft baggage car in Illinois Central brown & orange paint.  Among IC's predominately arched roof baggage cars were a handful of clerestory roof baggage cars numbered 795 to 804 as class P795 (AC&F 1926).  They were used in sealed mail, express and baggage service.  They will come in 4 real car numbers - 2 as singles and one in a 2-car set.  Pre-orders are due on May 19th.

Tuesday
Apr222014

Canadien National or Canadian National!

Canadian National (or to my Francophone friends "Canadien National")  served everywhere and went everywhere from the Pacific to the Maritime Provinces in Canada. Prior to the 1954 roll out of the round familiar Maple Leaf logo, CNR rolling stock were painted with "Canadian National" on a titled rectangular box - called by the CNR Mechanical Department as monogram. Our Wheels of Time model will be painted with this monogram for CNR standard 73'-6" heavyweight baggage cars (as measured over the end sills). They were built by the National Steel Car Corp. Ltd., and the Canadian Car & Foundry. Wheels of Time is proud to present this classic car in N-scale with Utility vents all along the arched roof.  Pre-orders are due on May 19th.