Making a B&O M-15k wagon top box in N scale

[OldEastRR]

Very interesting article in the SEPT MR about an HO modification kit to turn a M53 wagontop boxcar into the first experimental versions on rebuilt older boxcars. They used a Fox Valley car and an Accurail frame plus various extras. FVM makes the car in N scale, and there are fishbelly freight cars available (Atlas is one), so it shouldn't be too hard to make one in N. They are distinctive models. The MR article shows how to do it very clearly; the only fabrication needed in N is to make the new end sills. But what was the timeframe of these cars? It says they were built in 1936 but doesn't give how long they lasted.

As an aside, this is the kind of model railroading article I really like. It's done in HO but it's a project that's doable in multiple scales. I really am tired of seeing projects that are only possible in HO or O because of either size restrictions or parts availability. It's so limiting to guys in other scales.

[Bill H]

Fully agree. Well said.

[Chris333]

Think Skibbe did one in N scale.

[Point353]

See the article by Keith M. Kohlmann on pages 16-19:
https://www.rpmconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2016-RPM-Program-Complete.pdf

[Cajonpassfan]

Keith does such fine work, he should be *required* to participate here
Otto am.

[garethashenden]

Another option would be the Fine N Scale kit. If the work done necessitates painting it might be easier to paint the whole thing rather than color match existing paint.

[Chris333]

@Sokramiketes

[Bill H]

Another option would be the Fine N Scale kit. If the work done necessitates painting it might be easier to paint the whole thing rather than color match existing paint.

The FNS kit also kitbashes into a nice unique B&O Wagontop Covered Hopper. Was in one of the N Scale mags a number of years ago...

Kind regards,
Bill

[garethashenden]

The FNS kit also kitbashes into a nice unique B&O Wagontop Covered Hopper. Was in one of the N Scale mags a number of years ago...

Kind regards,
Bill

Those are cool! Do you know which issue it was in? I'd like to track down a copy...

[Snark45]

“An N Scale Wagontop Covered Hopper”

Keith M. Kohlmann
Model Railroader Nov 2000
Page 102

Starting with a Fine-N-scale Products wagontop boxcar kit, Keith built a B&O class N-34 two-bay hopper.

Great instructions with model and prototype photos and parts list. Also (don't know if you can still get them) a source of decals for this car. If you can wait a week or so until I'm reunited with my files, I can make you a copy.

Harry

[skm]

Here's a B&O M-15k conversion from an FVM M-53.

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

While this is from an RPM Chicagoland Mini-kit, there's nothing hard to find for the N scale conversion. More info can be found in the attendee program here: http://www.rpmconference.com/index.php/2016-rpm-program-complete/

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=41131.msg511853#msg511853

[garethashenden]

“An N Scale Wagontop Covered Hopper”

Keith M. Kohlmann
Model Railroader Nov 2000
Page 102

Starting with a Fine N-scale Products wagontop box car kit, Keith built a B&O class N-34 two-bay hopper.

Great instructions with model and prototype photos and parts list. Also (don't know if you can still get them) a source of decals for this car. If you can wait a week or so until I'm reunited with my files, I can make you a copy.

Harry

Thanks for the offer! I got the article from the MR archives. Looks like a good project.

[OldEastRR]

Using a pre-painted FVM boxcar would eliminate having to paint and decal it. The end sills would have to be matched but that's it. The sides have material removed.
However, still like to know how long this car was in service.

[garethashenden]

Using a pre-painted FVM boxcar would eliminate having to paint and decal it. The end sills would have to be matched but that's it. The sides have material removed.
However, still like to know how long this car was in service.

It seems they were rebuilt '55-'57 with new underframes. No idea if that changes the appearance though, but they're certainly good up to then. http://steamerafreightcars.com/gallery/boxauto/bo380601main.html

[Point353]

However, still like to know how long this car was in service.

See page 13 of the linked document in reply #3.