would expect from Blackstone Models. The model really captures the “fragile” look of wooden passenger equipment from the early twentieth century. The handrails and truss rods are finely molded in
plastic and have a fair
amount of give to them. I handled this car a bit roughly while installing the lighting decoder, and it took all of the abuse well. However, I don’t recom- mend testing durability.
All of the air lines and airbrake
hardware are present and correctly lo- cated. I love the conduit detail on the top of the roof. The window glazing is flush mounted so you don’t see that un- prototypical recessing of glass that you would normally see on cars of lesser quality. The glazing even has the win- dow shade represented at the top of the windows on the inside of the car. That is normally a detail that I have to add, I appreciate Blackstone Models cutting down on the amount of work that I have to do. When compared to measured drawings that I had for the car, all the dimensions were correct. No compromises were made in this area. The superior level of detail does not stop once you remove the roof and look inside the car. All of the amenities of the coach are well represented. Indi- vidual seats molded in appropriate col- ors are placed accurately as is the small pot belly stove at each end of the coach. Cabinets are also located at each end of the coach on the lavatory wall and feature lettering that most people are not likely to ever see. I ap- preciate a manufacturer taking the time to add details that will probably
go unnoticed by most.
The paint on the model is excellent. The Pullman Green paint looks correct to my eye and the finish is just right. The lettering is yellow paint, which ac- curate for this car, rather than gold leaf. It is clean and crisp, and the num- bers are printed over the wood sides and are perfectly formed. This last is a very difficult thing to do correctly and Blackstone Models has nailed it. On the ends of the steps below the hand- brake there is even lettering indicating the last date of the test of the hand- brake. The exterior of the end doors features the common “Passengers are not allowed to stand on the platform” lettering. It is barely visible to the naked eye but under magnification is clearly legible. As expected, this car’s performance is equal to its good looks. These cars will run on the tightest of curves and should since they are narrow gauge. The trucks are exquisite and roll beautifully. They are designed with two screws in the top to hold optional electrical contactors for lighting. The couplers are by Kadee and work well. However, I did notice the “slinky” action when multiple cars were coupled due to the centering spring in the coupler. This is common in N scale as those couplers use a similar design. With a little work, this can be eliminated. I installed the Soundtraxx accessory decoder for car lighting. The nicest thing about this installation is that the car was designed to accept lighting right from the beginning. No cutting or hacking was required to fit the decoder or wiring. The instructions are clear,
detail. Great for custom casting or temporary support. 3 oz. cake. Part # 949-525 - $7.98 + $4.95 shipping and applicable taxes.
www.alliedmodeltrains.com ALLIED MODEL TRAINS
4371 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA 90230
310-313-9353
An easy way to add weight to any model. TEMPLOW melts in hot water (158º to 190ºF). Won’t unsolder brass
LOW MELTING POINT METAL
TEEN-AGERS
The Teen Association of Model Railroaders is dedicated to helping teens with the hobby. For information write:
TAMR,
c/o Tim Vermande 3645 Toronto Court Indianapolis, IN 46268
http://tamr.org Email:
info@tamr.org
www.caboosehobbies.com RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN 83
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