GHQ PRR R50B reefer kit to be released later this month!

[Alwyn Cutmore]

Hopefully GHQ considers making plenty of extras for separate sale.

Hopefully GHQ is prepared as I do not think 50 models will last more than a couple of seconds.

Regards

Al

[wcfn100]

Hopefully GHQ considers making plenty of extras for separate sale.

No doubt if it is the 2D-P5

It doesn't sound like the ex-ALM trucks are ever going to be seen again.


Jason

[arbomambo]

Question...
in the original thread 'freight' version is stated...
is this freight version different than versions built for express service?....as head end cars in passenger trains...
apparently, these found their way into
ATSF's Fast Mail consist on a fairly regular basis...is this version correct for this?...

I can'y imagine this first 50 lasting more than a few seconds...is there a way to pre-order?...a guarantee?...sounds to me as if this will turn out to be a free-for-all...
~Bruce

[VonRyan]

The cars aren't going to be pewter too, are they?
It's bad enough that the trucks are pewter, let alone three-piece castings.

[up1950s]

Anybody got a prototype shot of the freight version , trucks ?

[pjm20]

Question...
in the original thread 'freight' version is stated...
is this freight version different than versions built for express service?....as head end cars in passenger trains...
apparently, these found their way into
ATSF's Fast Mail consist on a fairly regular basis...is this version correct for this?...

I can'y imagine this first 50 lasting more than a few seconds...is there a way to pre-order?...a guarantee?...sounds to me as if this will turn out to be a free-for-all...
~Bruce

I do not believe that there is a freight version. The R50b was designed specifically for express service. At least I have never seen a R50b with trucks other than 2DP5.

[Bob Bufkin]

All these cars were for passenger and express servive.  Doesn't mean they could not be used in a freight.  And I have also never seen any other truck on these cars. 

From what I've read they could haul higher value products such as the first fruits of the season which could sell for a premium.  They also hauled mushrooms and flowers and even newspapers which didn't require them to be cooled.

[Cajonpassfan]

Question...
...as head end cars in passenger trains...
apparently, these found their way into
ATSF's Fast Mail consist on a fairly regular basis...is this version correct for this?...
~Bruce

Bruce, in a word, yes.
I acquired one of these in brass years ago for my Fast Mail and Express never thinking a kit would become available. Might have to get another one..
Otto K.

[thbguy]

Hello all,

Here are a few answers to your questions:

1) "Freight version" means this kit is accurate for the PRR R50B express service cars converted from using as built "passenger version appliances" to "freight version appliances" applied beginning in 1938 and continuing until 1944. As built, the cars with "passenger appliances" had no side ladders, right side end ladders, two-step style side sill steps. This is the passenger appliance version. It is not what the kit is designed to build (but you can scrape off the details and make one if you want). I don't want to say "can't" that's for sure!!!!

2) The kit represents the "freight car" appliance version as used in express service:
By June of 1944, all 548 cars received freight car safety appliances:
– adding side ladders
– moving the end ladders to the left side
– moving the brake wheel up and adding a brake platform
– adding a platform above the end ladders
– adding a defect card holder
– modifying many handholds (including upper side handhold)
– pressure retaining valve
Cars with these details are most representative of the fleet in use over the most popular timeframe (that is, from the late 30s onward).

This and many more details about the PRR R50B fleet will be explained on the GHQ site when the kit is released.

3) As for the kit it is multimedia. That is, the body is polyurethane resin.

4) The 2D-P5 trucks are friction bearing.
I am expecting that they will also be available separately.   

More news will follow when the final kit configuration is finalized.

Best regards,
Michael Livingston

[chicken45]

Tell us about the trucks, Michael! Please? Metal? Resin? Derlin?

[hegstad1]

The correct trucks are included with the kit.  It is a three piece pewter casting.

[arbomambo]

Hello all,

Here are a few answers to your questions:

1) "Freight version" means this kit is accurate for the PRR R50B express service cars converted from using as built "passenger version appliances" to "freight version appliances" applied beginning in 1938 and continuing until 1944. As built, the cars with "passenger appliances" had no side ladders, right side end ladders, two-step style side sill steps. This is the passenger appliance version. It is not what the kit is designed to build (but you can scrape off the details and make one if you want). I don't want to say "can't" that's for sure!!!!

2) The kit represents the "freight car" appliance version as used in express service:
By June of 1944, all 548 cars received freight car safety appliances:
– adding side ladders
– moving the end ladders to the left side
– moving the brake wheel up and adding a brake platform
– adding a platform above the end ladders
– adding a defect card holder
– modifying many handholds (including upper side handhold)
– pressure retaining valve
Cars with these details are most representative of the fleet in use over the most popular timeframe (that is, from the late 30s onward).

This and many more details about the PRR R50B fleet will be explained on the GHQ site when the kit is released.

3) As for the kit it is multimedia. That is, the body is polyurethane resin.

4) The 2D-P5 trucks are friction bearing.
I am expecting that they will also be available separately.   

More news will follow when the final kit configuration is finalized.

Best regards,
Michael Livingston

Michael.
thanks for the info!...this release will be a perfect car to include in one of my Fast Mail consists (or any other ATSF head end group) for my 1957-modelled era...
I'm definately going to have to acquire this one!...pewter truck castings will be fine with me.
~Bruce

[towl1996]

First run size:  50 units (but GHQ will make a second run if these sell out quickly)

Best regards,
Michael Livingston
(Modelling TT and N-scale, but not at the moment... )

50 units?     That's not going to last long from the sounds of things around here, not to mention other forums. I'm good for three, hopefully. You might want to start another thread and ask for a head count for all those interested to roughly gauge interest.

Is this a limited run item or will it be a regular stock item? Knowing this may allow one to plan accordingly. I may need to start camping out front of GHQ, where does the line start? 

Thanks

[OldEastRR]

I can'y imagine this first 50 lasting more than a few seconds...

Yeah, I agree. I'd say those 50 cars have already been bought by the few people commenting on this thread. Cutmore and inkaneer will probably take at least 15 cars between them, just two guys. I can't believe that with such an iconic car long desired by so many N scalers GHQ decided to make only 50. It's not a loco, it's going to sell in multiples to many people.

[VonRyan]

If the trucks are indeed pewter, and three-piece, I'll take a pass. Too much fiddly work for my tastes.