I am going to purchase this Athearn F3 AB set but could use some advice on what passenger cars to use. I am not steady enough to kit build and lack the talent at this time. One day I hope to be as good as what I have seen here. I am not that familiar with the various manufactures and their quality. Due to a drive time of almost 2 hours to the not so local hobby store, I purchase from the internet. I have been looking on the internet and it is impossible to tell what is good and what is not. So I ask the experts of this board, who makes a quality piece that will look good behind this engine? I am looking to add 5 cars or so. Thanks.
These should be a good buy if the price is right for you. Ask if the paper work is included, it is helpful. They are good runners, but like all plastic models today, more weight helps lots.
The CB&Q purchased 3 ABA sets of F3's for California Zephyr service. The engines very quickly went into the general passenger pool and operated on any passenger train until they were replaced by additional orders of E8A and E9A passenger engines. By the 60's, they were in freight service, then to 'trade in bait' on new engines. Passenger cars for the 'Zephyr' fleet were Budd stainless steel cars like those recently imported by BLI. Walthers has Budd cars as well, though not specific to CB&Q equipment. Jim
I not looking to be period correct with this purchase. While visiting my parents recently, we talked about a train trip (mid to late 60’s) with my grandfather to a place called Santa’s village or something close from Chicago on a train with this type of power. The return trip was on steam power which if I can find out what type, will be next on the list. My interest in the railroads is due to him and I want to run them as a reminder of him. I even won a bike on the trip. I am not looking to spend 60-70 bucks each, but would like something that will work well. Any help with either would be helpful. Thanks.
