Hello guys, I received an SP&S 235XX series gondola conversion kit from a friend at the recent trainshow, I'd like to get it up and running but I'm seeking a model that I can get a proper or with some work close enough model of this car. The kit itself is one from the SP&S RHS, it's in great condition and I'm in need of more woodchip cars. Any help is very appreciated, Thank you guys.
I'm guessing but that car is in HO (?). I don't think that there is anything close to that in N scale.
Found it! Blair Line for a MDC 40' gondola in HO: Kit #201 - Series 235XX SP&S Gondola Chip Car Extensions - Laser cut wood by Blair Line. These replicate the extensions for the 235XX series chip cars to be used in conjunction with the MDC 40' gondola. Includes laser cut extensions, styrene braces, wood posts, ladders, brake equipment and decals for the data, reporting marks, "SPS" initials and assignment stencils. An article on converting an MDC gon to the 235XX is in the works, stay tuned! HO scale. The MDC 40' gon wasn't ever made in N scale. Sorry...
Unfortunately, I can't think of any 40' gondolas in N scale that have anywhere near that many panels. Cheers, -Mark
SP&S found itself short of equipment to haul woodchips so there was quite a variety of gondolas from everybody mostly bought used. UP, GN, NP are among the many. Slips my mind now on which road but they also bought a bunch of used Caswell drop bottom gons I believe from ATSF. They also had some converted older series wood boxcars with metal ends that they simply cut the tops off of and added about two or three board extensions to the top. I used an undec MT box for these cars. There was a resin kit of the Caswell car but time has faded my memory of who made it. I have also used the DimiTrains beet car for some of my woodchips since cars of both parents would be found on the line.
ATSF, DRGW, UP, NP, GN, 10xxx series USRA box cars(bought by the SP&S). The MTL Drop bottom gondola would make an excellent jumping off point for 22xxx(?) series Woodchip cars.
Micro Trains already made this car. MT 08400011/12 are two SP&S 40' drop bottom gondolas with side extensions. The ATSF Caswell gondola is made by Fine N Scale Hope that helps...
Gary, Most of my chip car fleet is built with styrene extensions on a variety of swap meet finds, mostly Atlas with Bachmann and Lima gons. Every swap I usually come home with at least a few more $3 car gons. I am now slowly building up with SP&S wood extensions. The Lima gons look close to the UP, but are longer. I found one in my project boxes close at 42 feet with multiple rivet lines, but unknown maker? Its the gray one in the photo. I am sure your wood kit will look great on the Atlas 42 foot gondola as a 22400 series. Good luck with your build. John, I like your chip conversions! I have yet to build these. The 39000 series were numerous and eventually replaced. The sides were quick to bulge and sway with loads without the roof in place. I think these were these were shot at Crown Zellerbach in Camas. The Caswell kits resin suffered from warping. I have some and hope to straighten with heat before assemble. John, you were correct in purchased from ATSF. These were made by Fine N Scale models. One can still find these on auction sites. Rick
Back before the woodchips became a valued commodity there was another homebuilt car the SP&S had for hauling chips and slabwood trimmed from the logs. It's main use was for heating fuel both in homes and some industry and was referred to as hog fuel. I only had one picture I found of one of the cars and it was a partial shot sitting in the deadline next to a Challenger awaiting scrapping. There was only a partial view end on of the car but just enough to let me give it a try, and I used the Bmann 34 ft. truss rod gondola as the base for them.
John, great modeling! I take it these were different construction than the early sawdust cars with open slats? I would like to see that picture if you have handy? Rick
Jmaurer, I actually just bought the MTL ones(they're coing with a Q flatcar from the bay). My chip fleet sits at 3 cars currently. two large ones by DI in NP and GN, and a small Milw road one. I'll add some more to my fleet, I was considering shaving the ribs off a pre made gondola and adding my own styrene ones.
Darn, I probably missed them. Only started N scale in 2012, and modeling the SP&S in late 2012 before I knew anything.
I built this from an old Dimi-Trains kit. It wasn't an exact match for the prototype but it was the closest thing I could find.
