Re: Phase "Zero" / St Charles Coal Cars: Robert Stears Plans, Lettering sets

Posted by Jim Courtney on
URL: http://c-sng-discussion-forum.254.s1.nabble.com/Phase-I-1902-C-S-Coals-tp5260p5938.html

Chris,

Thanks for adding the link to the prior discussion on the 4600 drop end gons.

As for number 4601, that looks like a stock 1897, former UPD&G St Charles coal car, as drawn by both Derrell Poole and Robert Stears.  The car still has the four extra St Charles stake pockets on the side sill, in their original locations. Four of the original stakes have been replaced with stakes of square cross section, but the two nearest the tender seem to have the original St Charles taper.

It is not clear how many 3-board St Charles cars were so converted, this could be the only one, although if 4601 was a 3-board car, then likely 4600 was 3 board as well.  The 3-board side cars are a little deceptive, having one 2x12 board on the bottom and two 2x10 boards above. That means I can't simply cut down Mike's beautiful Shapeways stakes, as the NBW pattern would be incorrect.

And I agree, that looks like a hat in the car--think there is a head underneath? If so, the fellow (head brakeman riding out in the open?) must be sitting on something, as the car sides are only 32 inches tall above the floor.  Unless its the fabled C&S dwarf . . .

Jim