RI Box Cars

Prototype Information for Project #1

We are crowdfunding this project and it is vital that you make your pledge to back our project on our IndieGoGo page by March 9, 2020 or it will not move forward. We were able to extend the funding period once. The IndieGoGo terms allow a maximum 60-day funding period, and we cannot extend it beyond that date.

Rock Island 141000-142999 series Single Sheathed Box Cars

In 1929, the Rock Island built a group of single sheathed box cars based on the ARA Standard XM-1 box car approved in 1924, but these cars were nearly a foot taller with a 9'6" interior height. As such, they resembled the ATSF Bx-11, -12 and -13 classes, but differed in their construction details.

The Rock Island opted for a Hutchins Dry Lading roof, Dreadnaught ends with 4 corrugations in the top panel, and 5 in the lower panel, and Dalman Two-Level trucks with Barber Stabilizing devices. They used KC brake appliances, and ARA Plate 2 horizontal ("stem winder") brake wheels.

Longevity

The cars were relatively long-lived with 1,929 of the original 2,000 cars still in service in 1955, all having received AB brake appliances by then. By the mid-'60s the roster was down to about 300 cars.

Project #1: The Models

We are producing models for all of the following cars in this run:

1. ATSF 124000-125999 Bx-11/12/13 classes
2. ATSF Bx-11/12 classes with 8" extended roof
3. ATSF Bx-11/12 classes with 12" extended roof
4. ATSF Bx-11/12/13 classes rebuilt with steel sides
5. C&O 289450-290349 series tall Pratt truss auto cars
6. C&O 289350-290349 series Pratt truss box cars (converted from auto cars)
7. CGW 80000-80978 series Pratt truss auto cars
8. L&N 46000-46399 series Pratt truss auto cars
9. PM 89350-90349 series tall Pratt truss auto cars
10. PM 89350-90349 series Pratt truss box cars (converted from auto cars)
11. RI 141000-142999 series tall Pratt truss box cars

All models will be produced Ready-to-Run with class and era-appropriate details and lettering with an SRP of $50. All major paint schemes worn by the cars will be produced.

Reweigh dates will be within 6 months of when a paint scheme was applied, or as close to that as our research allows. Additional reweigh decals will be included.

Decorated or undecorated kits will also be available at the same price, but will include extra parts.

Parts will also be available separately.

We are crowdfunding this project and it is vital that you make your pledge to back our project on our IndieGoGo page by March 9, 2020 or it will not move forward. We were able to extend the funding period once. The IndieGoGo terms allow a maximum 60-day funding period, and we cannot extend it beyond that date.

Other Variations

There were several other variations of these cars. A number of the Santa Fe cars received roof hatches for special service, newer steel side rebuilds with flush sliding ("plug") doors, and others that received Transco steel sides are a few. All of these are variations that we'd like to consider, providing the project raises enough additional funding.