Hi all, I did a search on the internet and this site looking for 1920s and 1930s era US Z scale freight cars. I am currently working in the late 19th century, and of course, next to nothing exists for this era in rolling stock. I have had to do a lot of research, which I actually enjoy. But know I am considering doing a future shelf layout or two in the 20s-30s era, and want to know if any produced Z scale rolling stock covers that era. It does not have to be limited to current offerings, but what has been offered over the years (kits included). Any thoughts, pictures, lists, of products will be appreciated. Thanks, Scott
Hello Scott, are you familiair with Aspen model? This germany based webshop offers expensive but unique z scale old timers, both kits and RTR: https://aspenmodel.com/Steam-Diesel-Locomotives-Z-Nn3-N/Steam-Locomotives-Gauge-Z:::136_60.html And: https://aspenmodel.com/Westmodel-Cars-Z-Nn3-N/Cars-Gauge-Z:::151_58.html Nice folk, speak/read english; they’ll probably ship to the US. Matt
Their U.S. representative is rslaser ( rslaserkits.com ) also some very nice people to deal with. They also have several kits that could be of use to you.
Matt, Mark, Thank you for the suggestions. I am familiar with both those sites. I like what they both have to offer. I am still hoping to get more info on what MTL, AZL, Full Throttle and others offer/have offered in the 1920s-30s era. Scott
AZL has outside braced box cars. MT has wooden 40 footers, 40 foot flat cars and live stock cars that would fit. AZL is also coming out with single dome tank cars that would fit and MTL has single dome that would fit. Both have 40 foot steel box cars but you’d have to check year of production of each type to see it it fits.
You can still find the MTL 40’ wooden sheathed box cars on eBay all the time. In fact there’s one listed right now under the following search: Z Scale MTL 51500170 Pennsylvania 40' Single Door Boxcar 96451 C6034 As JoeS mentioned, MTL has several choices, but also several livery’s to choose from as well. Santa Fe being just one that I am aware of, as I have two of those 40 foot box cars. Heck I just did a string search on Micro Trains Z scale wooden sheathed box car and there were all sorts of results and choices for you.
In 2002 Father Nature released 33' billboard reefers. A check of ZSM website shows some are still available. Jim
Download: 1906 Car Builders Cyclopedia Of American Practice has 800 pages and 6000 illustrations 49MB There used to be lots more editions available up to the 1925 edition, all copywrite expired, but google books pulled the downloads for some reason.
Rob, I have the 1895 version down loaded. Lots of great info in there. I have the 1930 Locomotive Cyclopedia and Lynn Westcott's Model Railroader Locomotive book. Those I can use for motive power reference. Thanks for the Link. Scott
Plus the MTL Nn3 cars (no longer on their site) but Zscalemonster http://www.nscalemonster.com/nn3/800-00-000/ can provide a view of the 30' with brake wheel on top. There usually was an interchange railroad with these larger cars. The Father Nature cars are good, produced by Penzee. LONG gone but they show up. See an example at ZtrackResale: https://www.ztrackresale.com/freight/father-nature-freight I could loosen up several of the ones I have.
I made some unique tank cars from the 1930s era a while back . Message me if you are interested. See this thread for more photos: https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/acf-7000-gallon-acid-cars.103816/
We actually bought out the Father Nature inventory from his family. Have have plenty available! Here is link: https://ztrackcenter.com/freight/father-nature-freight Rob