Another take on the RPM Chicagoland IC mini-kit

Freight Car Kits, ,

George Toman wrapped up an Illinois Central HO scale boxcar and filed a report. George started with a mini-kit that was given to many RPM Chicagoland registrants. The parts are seen in the lead image. Here’s George with the details.

Each year at the RPM Chicagoland meet the first 100 registrants receive a mini-kit gift. The 2019 mini-kit prototype was an Illinois Central single-sheathed boxcar from the 16000-16975 series. The mini-kit included a set of resin parts and proper decals along with a list of other recommend parts. I always enjoy receiving mine and look forward for ways to improve upon the basic kit and instructions to build a more accurate model.

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A scrap-box project – Bunker C unloading rack

Layout Industries, Scratchbuilding, ,
SP tank car heaters at Dunsmuir. Southern Pacific photo, courtesy of Tony Thompson

Pete Hall sent an interesting modeling project. Here’s his story.

Many railroads used coal as fuel for their steam engines, but the Southern Pacific did not – they used oil. Oil was plentiful in early California, and refiners were only too eager to rid themselves of the stuff at the bottom of the barrel, called Bunker C.

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