K's Interurbans

k-59 Oct 1, 2017

  1. k-59

    k-59 TrainBoard Member

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    So Shapeways was having a free shipping sale and this was enough inducement for me to buy these two fine models from Damin Keenan. And then since I needed a chassis for the steeplecab, I went and ordered it plus a loop of Tomix track including some tram pieces from Japan. Still waiting on the later order, but the prints came:
    IMG_20170928_172523.jpg IMG_20170928_172536.jpg IMG_20170928_172558.jpg

    Since the photos I've given them a soak to take the wax off. I"m probably going paint the steeplecab orange with a black roof. Still consider options for the RPO but leaning to Pullman green.



    Well for now I'm just planning to set the track up on my work bench, but hopefully soon I'll have some space for a proper micro, and eventually something bigger.
     
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  2. Jerry M. LaBoda

    Jerry M. LaBoda TrainBoard Supporter

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    That's a coach not an RPO...

    Typically both types of motors would be painted the same but there are examples (Illinois Terminal is a good example) that did use different paint schemes for different types of equipment. Chicago Aurora & Elgin also had multiple paint schemes given the changes made over its existence making it one of the most colorful roads that were. Recommend that you visit the Interurban Car Photo Index... you will find many good examples there of what various lines did...
     
  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I am guessing you might be using a Kato chassis, for the steeplecab?
     
  4. k-59

    k-59 TrainBoard Member

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    It does really look like a coach. But the drawing Texas Electric Railway (CERA #121) which the model is based off of is labels it as an RPO...
    Nice site!
    Bandi, it's equivalent of the Kato 105-107 chassis.
     
  5. Jerry M. LaBoda

    Jerry M. LaBoda TrainBoard Supporter

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    Someone missed it when editing... an RPO would not have so many windows because mail, at least way back when, was targeted for theft and it would have been restrictively expensive to put bars in so may windows.
     
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  6. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Also, most RPOs needed wall space for mail slot sorting. The one or two RPOs I remember being in had very few windows, but lots of wall-mounted mail slots, or whatever they were called.

    This photo shows an RPO interior of the type I remember.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Oct 4, 2017
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  7. k-59

    k-59 TrainBoard Member

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    Quite possible. The cars were rebuilt at some point with a window arrangement as you describe. Still given the product listing and the book list it as a RPO it's less confusing to refer to as such. Of course once it gets put into service on my railroad, I'll probably decide it is better suited as a coach ;)
     
  8. wcfn100

    wcfn100 TrainBoard Member

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    At one point is was a combination coach/rpo.

    Here's a picture of it as such with all windows intact.

    [​IMG]

    Jason
     
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  9. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Makes sense because racks of sorting boxes can be attached to walls temporarily, to be removed later as needs change. BTW, nice photo, Jason.
     
  10. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    and I also see a holstered pistol on the mail sorter's waist as well. This too was common from what I read.
     
  11. Philip H

    Philip H TrainBoard Member

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    my great grand father was an RPO clerk on the Erie. The guns were common to defend the mail. Don't remember if he got to take his home or had to turn it in after the run - my grandmother told me once. I do know he had a sorting rack in the house, and on sundays when he was home he would sort used envelopes after church for several hours to keep his time up.
     
  12. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    By it's appearance, this would seem to be a coach, not an RPO.
     
  13. wcfn100

    wcfn100 TrainBoard Member

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    I believe at this stage is was rebuilt from a coach to a coach/rpo. The last three windows appear to be blocked out and the writing by the rear door says:

    U.S. MAIL
    RAILWAY
    POST OFFICE

    Jason
     
  14. Jerry M. LaBoda

    Jerry M. LaBoda TrainBoard Supporter

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    Ah... this makes a lot more sense!!!

    One survivor of that line was rebuilt by the later-day Edwards Railcar into a motor car for use on the Bay Coast line. The car is pretty much what it looked like earlier in its life with the gothic windows being restored. An odd thing about the mail - coach cars on the TE is that windows were not changed aside from covering the gothic windows above the regular windows and the door was wider than what typically was done. Had not yet found a shot with the RPO lettering until now...

    Here are some links to the Edwards rebuild... the car now resides on the Wisconsin Great Northern...

    http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1590197
    http://rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2715065
    http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=489435
     
  15. J Starbuck

    J Starbuck TrainBoard Member

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    The BanDai chassis runs very well for an off the shelf critter and the shell fits it perfectly.
    I modified mine significantly for a different road but Damin's model is very nice as is.

    IMG_20160302_164826.jpg
     
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