40' TOFC from parts

Here is a parts box creation. Inspired by the Southern Rwy 50' TOFC cars rebuilt from boxcars, I decided to build a 40' version for the KY&N. I started with an old MDC 40' Boxcar diecast underframe laying around for several years. Using 3/16" styrene strips from Evergreen, I fashioned a welded sill around the perimeter of the car. The fifth wheel stand is a Details West Part and the brake wheel and rigging were extras I found in my drawer. I added A-Line grab irons to the side and ends of the car and some standard 50-ton freight trucks. The car was painted KY&N Boxcar Brown and lettered as #25290.

Rebuilt 50' Boxcar

The Kanawha, Youngstown & Northern Boxcar #31582 was a class W22 50' Double Door car built by AC&F and was part of a 200 car order in the 23700-23899 series delivered in 1946. This general purpose boxcar was rebuilt and reclassified as a W31b and renumbered #31582 in October of 1972. This car is normally in pool service between a stamping plant at Charleston, WV and the Chevrolet Assembly Plant near Youngstown, OH. This is a Branchline Blueprint model with running boards removed and carbody installed on top a pair of National B-1 trucks. Boxcar was painted in the normal KY&N green dip with the small herald.

U30C 432 on the Pennsylvania Southern

U30C #432 made her maiden run on October 12 on Bob Weinheimer's beautiful Pennsylvania Southern layout during a regular monthly operating session. 432 was featured on Train 262, a Pittsburgh - Washington turn. 432 also acted as the yard switcher at Washington and ended the evening as the rear end helper on a Northbound coal train between Washington and Bridgeville.

KY&N U30C #432 prepared to depart Pittsburgh on Bob Weinheimer's Pennsylvania Southern.

KY&N #432 crosses the bridge between Bridgeville and Cannonsburg on the way south to Washington.

KY&N #432 after arriving back at Pittsburgh on Train 262 from Washington.