John,
I am sorry to hear about you missing out on the CPR brass cars. I have
a set myself. As an alternative, you might consider a couple of the
Rapido smooth side cars. They aren't exact CP prototype, but a 2200
series smooth side coach or two would look good on your train. 2100
series coaches should have the smaller side windows. Also, a smooth
side baggage car could be used on the head end. Speaking of head end
equipment, how about a True Line CPR passenger service boxcar or two?
These would be the maroon and black 29000 series cars. I don't know if
these cars were used on the Mountaineer or not. Note that the silver
4900 series boxcars were used on the Canadian.
One other thought. Branchline Trains produced a special run of CPR
heavyweight coaches. These could be worth a look.
Note that Soo Line maroon and CP maroon are quite different. I wouldn't
change the Soo cars lettering without a repaint.
Hope this helps.
Paul Smith
Winnipeg
jonnyo55 wrote:
Here's the latest chapter in my continuing efforts to provide a train
for my G-3g. After being disappointed (and outbid) in my efforts to
obtain the two VH "curveside" car sets, I decided to follow the
dictates of the Chamber of Commerce and "shop local". What I found was
that my local shop has the excellent Walthers' heavyweights on sale
for less than $20, so I bought two Pullmans, a diner, and a solarium,
painted and lettered for Soo Line. To this mix, I add the two Kettle
Valley head end cars (I think the other three, passenger-carrying cars
are too early for my purposes) and all I need are a pair of coaches,
and, voila! i have a nice "Mountaineer". Any comments on this
assemblage? The lettering on any or all of the Soo cars can be easily
changed to CPR...should I do so, or let 'em be? Any ideas on proper
coaches? I'm not necessarily looking for rivet-by-rivet perfection, a
CLOSE approximation will do. ANY comments or advice will be
appreciated! Thanks in advance, John O'Connell
