Howdy y'all,

About a year ago, I made an attempt to build an N scale Southern Railway All-door boxcar, a 1961 version with roll-up doors.

Since my move to O scale, I've decided to make a new version.

After building a few Intermountain boxcar kits and experiencing issues with their running due to their light weight, I decided to eliminate that issue from the start by building the car from 0.5mm brass sheet.

I'm using a Quality Craft Models Thrall All-door car kit - or more specifically the plans included within - to get the dimensions in scale, but I'm also using reference photographs of the Southern cars to ensure the unique aspects of the design are captured correctly.

Link to the prototype car:

(Click to enlarge)

And my progress so far. I'm currently waiting on some square brass tube to arrive to get the basic frame assembled. :)

Hi Dan,

I thought the Thrall built cars (horizontal sliding doors) and the Pullman Standard cars (overhead sliders) had different designs. Technically both were 50' bulkhead cars with minimal body strength. Hence those heavy duty ends.

Sounds a fun project.

Nigel

Oh they are/were, however the basic dimensions are the same. I'm working more from reference photographs than the QCM plans, but the plans do help with, for example, the centersill dimensions, etc.

This evening I've been doing some noodle scratching on figuring out how to… a) build the support posts for the roller doors, b) allow them to hinge outwards and c) secure them at the top of the car, and d) allow them to slide from one end of the car to the other - all of which are per the prototype Pullman Standard built cars.



Hopefully this'll make some sort of sense!

Quite an undertaking there DanielB.  Watching with interest and wishing you good luck with this ambitous project. :thumbs

Hi Dan.    You had me going there? When I read Southern, I immediately thought of Southern England . Well each to their own?   Good luck with your Mission. Kevin