Description:
Ready-To-Run
Realistic underframe detail
High fidelity of details like little rivets
Multiple authentic car numbers
Characteristic arched roof
Micro-Trains® Couplers
Perfect for your limited, local or even troop train movement pulled by your 4-6-6-4, 4-8-4, 4-6-2 or your "Geep".
* For Students of Railroading - A brief history.
Introduced in 1906, just before Henry Ford made famous the model “T” automobile, these cars were the defining characteristics of steam passenger trains for the Union Pacific, the Illinois Central, the Southern Pacific and other associated railroads. For the traveling public, this was a step up for people riding in wooden coaches that would break like a match stick in the event of a derailment. So durable were these all steel cars that some they lasted until 1968. A life span of 60 years!
* The great Edward Henry Harriman who controlled the Chicago & Alton Railroad, the Union Pacific, the Southern Pacific, the Illinois Central, the Central of Georgia, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, Wells Fargo Express Company, directed the development of the “Common Standard Specifications” among the Associated Lines. The Common Standard allowed common specifications of parts, car and locomotive design to be shared with all Harriman-controlled railroads. This allowed economical bid prices due to the sheer size of standardized orders. Further, it allowed the Harriman-controlled railroads to standardize on part inventories and method for car repair. These cars were designed with the all distinctive arched roof and diamond underframe crossbearers, a departure from the clerestory roof design.
* Developed by the Associated Lines for all Harriman controlled roads, these wide window coaches seated 68 passengers on Hale and Kilburn reversible seats. These C-4 and C-4 (Common Standard Specifications CS 217) were built by Pullman 1909 to 1912 and numbered 395 cars.
* Initial purchasers of these cars were the Illinois Central, the Oregon Railway & Navigation, the Oregon- Washington Railroad & Navigation (UP), the Oregon Short Line (UP), SP Pacific Lines (SP, CP, O&C) and Texas and Louisiana Lines (T&NO, GH&SA, H&TC, HE&WT). The most famous “second hand” purchasers was the 20th Century Fox used in Hollywood movies. Later, it became Sierra Railroad No. 11. These cars were introduced in 1909 and some lasted more than 60 years later.
* All-Day Lunch cars: SP Sacramento General Shops added lunch kitchen cabinet to 25 60-C-3 and 4 cars; and 6 60-CC-1 cars starting in 1916 through 1927. They provided lunch service to patrons on day coaches and tourist sleepers. Typically, these cars were placed near the head end of the trains, followed by day coaches and tourist sleepers. Regular dining cars were placed between the tourist sleepers and Pullmans. On long trains, two All-Day Lunch cars were used. The lunch kitchen cabinet was located on one end of the car which included a gas stove, steam plate, 2’-9” x 3’ refrigerator, coffee urns, sink, and serving counter. Only two cars were modified with air conditioning. Some cars were equipped with Waukesha propane system for power and others simply had their original gas tank for power. Some cars had a pillow locker installed on one corner blocking out the corner vestibule-trap door.