The Boilermakers

The Monon Railroad also known as the Chicago, Indianapolis, and Louisville Railway served a number of colleges and universities receiving much passenger traffic from these places. Their 70-ft heavyweight baggage cars were one of the few newly bought passenger cars that were not repurposed from ex-US Army cars. Built by St. Louis Car in 1942, which is late for the heavyweight era, was painted in the striking team colors of Purdue University - hence Boilermakers - and DePauw University. They rode on 4-wheel trucks. Wheels of Time will roll out this classic in fall with pre-orders due on May 19th.

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.

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.

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. 

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.