For this entry in my series of equipment portraits, I’ll share a pair of models of small but weighty prototypes…
CNR 52247 and CNR 52274
These two scale test cars are certainly conversation pieces. They are brass imports from Southwind Models, which I painted, lettered and finished as CNR prototypes. The decals are a mix: The road name came from HO scale van (caboose) sets from Al Ferguson at Black Cat Publishing, while the balance of the lettering is from HO scale CNR scale test car sets from Andy W Scale Models. Scale test cars are kept relatively clean since dirt can change their weight, so I was very careful with the weathering. They also typically are used in pairs, so I was fortunate to find two models.
The portion of the CNR Simcoe Subdivision that I modelled on my last layout did not have a track scale, but there were a couple of such scales on the Niagara St. Catharines and Toronto Railway, so these cars may get more of a workout on my next layout.
Despite being so small and having a two-axle stance, these cars are heavy, being almost solid brass, and the springing is well done in the journals so they track very well. They’ve become my go-to cars for testing track work, appropriately enough…
Eventually, I hope to document all of my S scale equipment in this fashion. We’ll see how that goes. Meantime, see the Portraits category to explore all the posts in this series.
The Model Railway Show 