manufacturer has also correctly mod- eled these components but left them as separate parts for the consumer to apply. This arrangement was required to allow operators wishing to add coal loads to their gons the appropriate internal clear- ance to do so; the extensive and delicate bracing would have played havoc with this option. In fact, even on the proto- type, these support members became an issue when clamshell unloaders were occasionally employed instead of the intended rotary dumper method. The damaged caused by this reckless prac- tice resulted in a warning being stenciled on the carsides early in the Silversides’ career declaring “DO NOT UNLOAD WITH CLAMSHELL.” Furthermore, some cars were later fitted with four horizontal structural stiffeners welded between the upper portions of their five center carside ribs, and these too are in- cluded with each car for application at the modeler’s discretion. Decoration of Railroad Model Crafts-
published drawings and photos of the prototype, Fox Valley has captured all the major nuances of this car includ- ing the proper number and spacing of the carside vertical C-channel structur- al members and the horizontally ribbed ends with their exterior perpendicular supports. The 7.3125-inch or scale 52- foot, 11-inch long (over the coupler pull- ing faces) model matches general dimen- sions of the real deal perfectly right down to the 5-foot, 8-inch trucks with their scale 36-inch diameter wheels — a rath- er unusual prototype arrangement for such a short wheelbase sideframe. For new generation tooling, I was a bit surprised to find the handholds, ladders, and stirrup steps to be all molded in the plastic carbody, although they do display
excellent relief. Nonetheless, there are a number of factory-applied detail parts present too, such as the brake wheel and housing; a photo-etched brake platform featuring see-through perforated holes; train line air hoses along each coupler draft box; and brake components visible beneath the car including reservoir, cyl- inder, valve, air lines, rods, clevises, and hangers. A separate underbody floor ex- hibits sill and crossbearers with a metal plate sandwiched between it and the car- body for extra weight. Noticeably lack- ing, though, are coupler cut levers and brake shoes on the roller bearing journal trucks. As far as the interior of the Silverside
goes, the real cars required both diago- nal as well as horizontal bracing. The
man’s review sample also appeared to correctly match the painting practices found on the as-delivered prototypes with the addition of the aforementioned clamshell unloading warning also pres- ent. The overall body finish was excel- lent with a dull but reflective color nicely imitating the prototype’s aluminum con- struction. The brake retainer valve on the car side, hand wheel and housing on the B end, and all the gear slung beneath the car are properly painted black. The car lettering, road number, and correct data all appear laser-sharp and completely opaque in the original vibrant orangish- red color. While the initial release only encompasses as-delivered Southern proper cars, a second release due out in early 2016 will include members of the fleet sub-lettered for CNO&TP, repaint-
88 RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN
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