Greetings to all fellow "rails" (as my late engineer friend told me that was the correct term to use around other railroad personel). This is my first post on what looks like a fun and fantastic site for those who love trains. I happen to be a fanatic of the long gone Milwaukee Road Hiawatha passenger train, the one I used to watch religiously from the 3rd floor window of Oconomowoc Junior High classroom. Oh, how many times I was yelled at for focusing on this beauty as she passed through town at 70 mph, instead of listening to the teacher yap on, and on, and on.... Anyway enough of my rambling. My question is this. Is there any inexpensive reproduction in HO for the "Beavertail" or Skytop observation car? I know I have seen them in O scale and very pricey, but I was wondering if they were available in my spending limits, either painted or unpainted. I would very much like to complete my now finally able to be displayed train set with this last end car. Everytime I look at my train proudly sitting on the shelf, I can't help but notice the missing link to my 7th grade memories. Any help is GREATLY appreciated. Once again, thanks to all fellow "rails" for the warm welcome and I hope to visit here quite often. Tony G Fort Atkinson, WI
Tony- Welcome aboard! I cannot think of an inexpensive car for you. Both of those styles you mention, the "Beavertail" (flat, sloped 1930's built), and the Skytop (round end 1947 and later), have been done in brass for O, HO, and N scales. But something in plastic I do not recall. I see your signature as Fort Atkinson. By chance do you know Keith Fink? He's in your vicinity. And an excellent HO modeler of things Milwaukee Road. If you could catch him, locally, I'll bet he'd be a good one to help you with some possibilities or ideas. Boxcab E50
Hi Tony, I big welcome to TrainBoard. Browse, enjoy, and discover. And, while you are at it, don't miss RailImages and RailSeek, all part of the family.
Welcome Tony! I checked Brass Car Sides, and there are no HO matches to the Skytop and Beavertail cars. I was thinking they may have a side kit to overlay on an HO car. They do, however have many other kinds of car sides correct for MILW passenger cars. Be sure to check them out! Here's a view of their car sides in use on an N Bachmann full-dome car; replicating the 89' GN Great Dome lounges: Depending on where you recall seeing the Hi's fly on by, you may have also remembered some GN, NP, and CB&Q action as well. We at Trainboard have Fallen Flags forums for all these as well!
Hi Tony- Thanks for your e-mail! Drop us a note in this thread, or in our Milwaukee Road (CMSt.P&P RR) Forum, to let us know how it goes! Good luck! Boxcab E50
