A compilation of tips on producing models of specific types of Green Bay Route cars.
The suitability of the models are graded on a scale from 'A' (exact), 'B' (close), 'C' (stand-in) and 'E' (for effort, meaning a kit-bash). See this page for more details on the grades.
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| Accurail #3100 - 40' Plug Door Boxcar · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 21000 to 21038 - RBL · 40'-0" IL · 5 tons · 3330 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
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| Accurail #3400 - 40-Foot PS-1 Boxcar · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 650 to 691 - XME · 40'-6" IL · 50 tons · 3903 cu ft
· more prototype info
The Accurail car is a good stand stand-in, but has an 8-foot wide door. |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 900 to 949 - XME · 40'-6" IL · 50 tons · 3883 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
These PS-1 boxcars had a 9-foot door, unusually wide for a 40-foot boxcar. The Accurail 40-Foot PS-1 Boxcar model's 8-foot door is not wide enough and the sill is the wrong shape but it might make an OK stand-in. |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 1000 to 1004 - XML · 40'-6" IL · 50 tons · 3927 cu ft
· more prototype info
An E&C Shops (also marketed by Branchline Trains) 50' PS-1 kit with a 9-foot P-S door can be the basis for a kitbash project. See how it can be done. |
| Accurail #4100 - 40' Outside Braced Boxcars · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 8000 to 8098 - XM · 40'-6" IL · 40 tons · 3443 cu ft
· more prototype info
The model can be improved by replacing the sloping center sill supplied in the kit with a scratchbuilt straight sill. |
| Accurail #4800 - 40' Wood Refrigerator · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | AW 3000 to 3004 - RB · 33'-0" IL · 35 tons · 1999 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
A close match - the Accurail model is actually based on BREX 75000-75999 built 1926. |
![]() | ![]() | WRX 9000 to 9999 - RS · 33'-2 5/8 IL · 40 tons · 1970 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
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| Accurail #5000 - 50-Foot AAR Boxcar · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 4100 to 4193 - XM · 50'-6" IL · 55 tons · 4860 cu ft
· more prototype info
Pretty well matches these 1970's era 50-foot cars, made from stretched 40-footers. It has the correct roof/ends/door/riveted side panels; the purist could shorten the side ladders and remove some of the rivets to represent the welded center panels. Some cars were renumbered in 695- series in later years. |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 2900 to 2974 - XL · 50'-9" IL · 55 tons · 4846 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Could represent a stand-in for these cars, although the 8-foot door would be a foot too narrow for this particular prototype. |
| Accurail #7000 - 6-Panel Boxcar / Wood Ends · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 6000 to 6298 - XM · 40'-6" IL · 40 tons · 2955 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The prototype had lumber doors on one end. The model can be improved by cutting down the fishbelly center sill to a simple straight sill. |
| Accurail #7100 - 6-Panel Boxcar / Dreadnaught Ends · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 8100 to 8198 - XM · 40'-6" IL · 40 tons · 3713 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The Accurail car has early improved 4/4 dreadnaught ends, the prototype has a prewar 3/3/3 style. The model can be improved by replacing the sloping center sill supplied in the kit with a scratchbuilt straight sill. |
![]() | ![]() | KGB 5500 to 5598 - XM · 40'-6" IL · 40 tons · 3713 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Close match - the Accurail car has early improved 4/4 dreadnaught ends, the prototype has a prewar 3/3/3 style. The model can be improved by replacing the sloping center sill supplied in the kit with a scratchbuilt straight sill. |
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| Athearn #2903-J - 54' PS Covered Hopper - Albert City Elev · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 200 to 214 - LO · 100 tons · 4750 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The Athearn 54' PS 3-Bay Covered Hopper is a good starting point since it was available pre-painted for the Albert City Elevator (#2903-J, now out of production). The Athearn car is a 16-rib model; the prototype PS2CD/4750 has 18 ribs. |
| Athearn #ATH1969 - 86' 4 Door High Cube Box · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 103 to 105 - XML · 86'-6" IL · 70 tons · 10000 cu ft
· more prototype info
A close match for the prototype, except the model has welded sides while the prototype was riveted. |
| Athearn #ATH5050 - 50' Box · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 4200 to 4399 - XM · 50'-9" IL · 55 tons · 4885 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Athearn kit has the correct 5-5 Dreadnaught end. |
| Athearn #ATH5407 - 34' 2 Bay Offset Hopper · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | KGB 401 to 420 - HM · 33'-0" IL · 50 tons · 2145 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The flat end Athearn hoppers are a close match, although the offset transition at the end is little different than the prototype, and the model has 9 stiffeners at the top of the car while the prototype had 7. |
| Athearn #ATH91400 - 50' FMC 5347 Box · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 7000 to 7049 - XM · 50'-6" IL · 77 tons · 5347 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The Athearn ready-to-run cars are an exact match. |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 8000 to 8199 - XM · 50'-6" IL · 77 tons · 5347 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The Athearn ready-to-run cars are an exact match. |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 8302 to 8424 - XM · 50'-6" IL · 77 tons · 5347 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The Athearn ready-to-run cars are an exact match. |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 10100 to 10243 - XP · 50'-6" IL · 98 tons · 5347 cu ft
· more prototype info
The Athearn ready-to-run cars are an exact match. |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 11000 to 11001 - XP · 50'-6" IL · 98.5 tons · 5347 cu ft
· more prototype info
The Athearn ready-to-run cars are an exact match. |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 16000 to 16299 - XP · 50'-6" IL · 77 tons · 5347 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The Athearn ready-to-run cars are an exact match. |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 7450 to 7649 - XM · 50'-6" IL · 77 tons · 5288 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Has the right ends, doors, and 14 panels to serve as a stand-in for these cars. The car can be improved considerably by removing the last rib on the side of the car where the ends attach. Drill little holes to represent the plug welds along the edge where the end attaches to the side. The roof can be improved by substituting a Branchline 50 ft overhanging diagonal panel roof (part #100006), and the sill reinforcement can be modeled with styrene. |
| Athearn #ATHG4070 - 60' ICC High Cube Box · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 90 to 99 - XM · 60'-10" IL · 77 tons · 6357 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Athearn's ICC 60' boxcar has a 12-foot door, GBW prototype cars had 10' doors. |
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| Atlas #1650 - 60' Auto Parts Boxcar · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 210 to 219 - XAP · 60'-9" IL · 90 tons · 6190 cu ft
· more prototype info
The Atlas 60' ACF auto parts boxcar is the successor design to the ACF cars the GBW purchased. |
| Atlas #1750 - Evans 53' Double Plug-Door Box Car · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 2400 to 2449 - XL · 50'-6" IL · 75 tons · 4988 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
These cars are close, but have double doors centered on the sides while the prototype has offset 7'+8' doors. The models have different side sill and ends. The Atlas model is based on a 52' Evans car from the late 1970s. |
| Atlas #1850 - 50-Ton 2-Bay Offset-Side Open Hopper · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | KGB 401 to 420 - HM · 33'-0" IL · 50 tons · 2145 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
A close match, although the offset transition at the end is little different than the prototype, and the model has 9 stiffeners at the top of the car while the prototype had 7. The end details on the Atlas model are a closer match to the prototype than the Athearn car. |
| Atlas #918 - ACF 50'-6" Boxcar · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 7050 to 7199 - XM · 50'-7" IL · 77 tons · 5300 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Exact match for an ACF 5300 cu.ft.plate C exterior post boxcar |
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| Bowser #1-56200 - Pennsylvania Class GLa 2-Bay Open Hopper · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 4801 to 4879 - HM · 30'-5" IL · 50 tons · 1682 cu ft
· more prototype info
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![]() | ![]() | GBW 4901 to 4913 - HM · 30'-5" IL · 50 tons · 1785 cu ft
· more prototype info
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![]() | ![]() | KGB 4501 to 4569 - HM · 30'-5" IL · 50 tons · 1682 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
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| Branchline Trains #1000A - 50' Single Door Boxcar - Straight Sill · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 112000 to 112012 - XML · 50'-6" IL · 50 tons · 4872 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
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| Branchline Trains #1200 - 40' ACF Reefer · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | AW 3000 to 3004 - RB · 33'-0" IL · 35 tons · 1999 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The Branchline kit is an accurate match for the ACF prototypes. It is available lettered in two WRX schemes. |
![]() | ![]() | WRX 9000 to 9999 - RS · 33'-2 5/8 IL · 40 tons · 1970 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
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| Branchline Trains #1700 - 50' AAR Plug Door Boxcar · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 2500 to 2699 - XL · 50'-6" IL · 55 tons · 4955 cu ft
· more prototype info
Originally double-door boxcars, rebuilt as single plug door cars prior to going on GBW roster. Modeling would be a challenge: Start with a Branchline boxcar to get the riveted carsides, and sand off the riveted panel seams where the auxiliary sliding doors were filled in with welded sheets. Substitute InterMountain PS-1 ends, but unsure if the roof was still Pullman panels or if it had been replaced with Stanray diagonal panels. You will have to scratch the door as it has never been done on any model. |
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| Con-Cor #1-009618 - 60' Greeenville Auto Parts Boxcar · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 200 to 209 - XAP · 60'-9" IL · 90 tons · 6000 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The model sits about 6-8 inches too low. |
Detail Associates |
| Detail Associates #200 - 40' General Service Gondola with Composite Sides · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | KGB 7001 to 7039 - GH · 40'-0" IL · 50 tons · 1597 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
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| Details West #500 - 50' Double Plug Door Box Car · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 2400 to 2449 - XL · 50'-6" IL · 75 tons · 4988 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
These cars are close, but have double doors centered on the sides while the prototype has offset 7'+8' doors. The models have different side sill and ends. |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 22040 to 22089 - RBL · 50'-0" IL · 70 tons · 4589 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The Details West car (now Athearn RTR) can be stand-in for these cars. The straight sills and equal-sized doors (the prototype doors were 8'+6') are incorrect. |
E & C Shops |
| E & C Shops - 50-foot Pullman-Standard Boxcar · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 900 to 949 - XME · 40'-6" IL · 50 tons · 3883 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
An E&C Shops (also marketed by Branchline Trains) 50' PS-1 kit with a 9-foot P-S door can be the basis for a kitbash project. See how it can be done. |
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| Eel River #100U - 62'-1'' Beer Car w/ 12'-0'' Doors · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 50000 to 50049 - RBL · 52'-6" IL · 68.5 tons · 5327 cu ft
· more prototype info
Starting with an Eel River Models Beer Car with 12 foot door, remove one bay from each end using the extra rib as a cutting guide. Add a Railbox boxcar style end (an easy scratch or cut one off an MDC or Athearn body), and some rectangles from plastic sheet for the door stops. Use an Accurail 50 foot diagonal panel roof. |
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| Funaro and Camerlengo #6180 - Wood Seley Hopper · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 4037 to 4075 - HM · 30'-9" IL · 50 tons · 1579 cu ft
· more prototype info
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| InterMountain - 4750 C.F. 3-Bay Covered Hopper · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 200 to 214 - LO · 100 tons · 4750 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Exact match for these pink covered hoppers. |
| InterMountain #40495 - 40' PS-1 Boxcar 7' Door · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 650 to 691 - XME · 40'-6" IL · 50 tons · 3903 cu ft
· more prototype info
Intermountain makes a kit with the correct 7-foot door for these ex-NYNH&H PS-1 boxcars. |
| InterMountain #40499 - 40' PS-1 Boxcar 6' Door · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 700 to 899 - XM · 40'-6" IL · 50 tons · 3898 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Use a 6' seven-panel Superior door. |
| InterMountain #40999 - 50' PS-1 Single Door Boxcar · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 500 to 519 - XAP · 50'-6" IL · 70 tons · 4923 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The model has a roofwalk and full-height ladders which is how the prototype was delivered; the roofwalk was removed and the ladders were shortened around 1970 when the time the cars were shopped and painted yellow. |
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| Kadee #3997 - 40' PS-1 Box Car · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 700 to 899 - XM · 40'-6" IL · 50 tons · 3898 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Use a 6' seven-panel Superior door. |
| Kadee #6100 - 50' PS-1 Gradual Side Sill Boxcar · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 500 to 519 - XAP · 50'-6" IL · 70 tons · 4923 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The model has a roofwalk and full-height ladders which is how the prototype was delivered; the roofwalk was removed and the ladders were shortened around 1970 when the time the cars were shopped and painted yellow. |
| Kadee #7001 - 50 Ton AAR Standard Open Bay Hopper · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | KGB 401 to 420 - HM · 33'-0" IL · 50 tons · 2145 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
A close match, although the offset transition at the end is little different than the prototype, and the model has 9 stiffeners at the top of the car while the prototype had 7. The end details on the Kadee model are a closer match to the prototype than the Athearn car. |
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| LBF #1200 - ACF 50'-6'' Boxcar · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 7050 to 7199 - XM · 50'-7" IL · 77 tons · 5300 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The LBF model is supposed to be an exact match for these cars, but the model has flaws in details such as half-round side posts, poor doors and roof details. |
| LBF #1910 - 52'-6'' Mill Gondola - fluted sides and strap ends · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 5500 to 5534 - GB · 52'-6" IL · 98 tons · 2500 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The LBF general service gondola with fluted sides is a good match for these GBW gondolas. Use the 'strap end' version. |
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| Life-Like #21899 - 50' Single Door Box Car · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 112000 to 112012 - XML · 50'-6" IL · 50 tons · 4872 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
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| MDC Roundhouse #1340 - 40' Gondola · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | KGB 7101 to 7199 - GB · 38'-7 1/2" IL · 57.5 tons · 1547 cu ft
· more prototype info
There is no exact match for these N&W-designed gondolas, but the MDC kit (based on a late-1940s C&O prototype) could serve as a rough stand-in model. It has ten panels and a 40' length. |
| MDC Roundhouse #1980 - 50' FMC Box Car - Double Door · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | AHW 4000 to 4099 - XM · 50'-6" IL · 77 tons · 5077 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Close match. The MDC boxcar is actually a model of a design that FMC cataloged but never built (50'-6" IL Plate C box with a centered 16' door opening). The the CUSHION SERVICE lettering from the DM Custom Decal sets isn't appropriate for these cars; the actual lettering on those cars is a vertically-compressed font. |
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| Modelers Choice #250001 - Thrall 14-panel Gondola · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 20 to 29 - GB · 52'-6" IL · 100 tons · 2094 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The kit contains pre-cut styrene sides, ribs, two floor pieces, bolster pieces, injection molded ends and detailed instructions. The modeler must supply additional detail parts, paint and decals to complete the model. |
| Modelers Choice #250005 - Thrall 15-panel Gondola - 2000 CuFt · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 30 to 39 - GB · 52'-6" IL · 77 tons · 2340 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The kit has the correct length and width and 15 side panels, but is based on a 2000 cu.ft. prototype (GN 78800-78999). The GBW gondolas were a larger 2300 cu.ft. type and were 8" taller. |
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| Red Caboose #RC-5100 - General Service Gondola w/Composite Sides · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | KGB 7001 to 7039 - GH · 40'-0" IL · 50 tons · 1597 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
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| Red Caboose #RC-8900 - AC&F 4-3-1 8' Door Welded Box Car · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 600 , 604, 610 to 624 - XM · 40'-6" IL · 55 tons · 3956 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Correct roof, ends, and door -- although the sill shape is incorrect. |
Sunshine |
| Sunshine - Illinois Central two-bay hopper · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | KGB 401 to 420 - HM · 33'-0" IL · 50 tons · 2145 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Exact match for the IC / GBW prototypes. |
Train Miniature |
| Train Miniature #720-2850 - 40' Hart Gondola · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | KGB 7001 to 7039 - GH · 40'-0" IL · 50 tons · 1597 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Surprisingly, the Walthers Silver Streak (metal & wood) and Train-Miniature (plastic) models that were advertised as Hart Gondolas were not that good of a match for these prototypes. The truss side sills need to be removed, the frame is very different (GBW cars appear to have a deep fishbelly center sill, similar to Accurail parts), and the side post arrangement doesn't match. |
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| Walthers #929-500 - 40' Hart Gondola · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | KGB 7001 to 7039 - GH · 40'-0" IL · 50 tons · 1597 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Surprisingly, the Walthers Silver Streak (metal & wood) and Train-Miniature (plastic) models that were advertised as Hart Gondolas were not that good of a match for these prototypes. The truss side sills need to be removed, the frame is very different (GBW cars appear to have a deep fishbelly center sill, similar to Accurail parts), and the side post arrangement doesn't match. |
| Walthers #932-3270 - 65' Mill Gondola · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 30 to 39 - GB · 52'-6" IL · 77 tons · 2340 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Shorten the Walthers 65' gondola per the 'Two Soo Line Thrall gondolas' article in the April 2001 Railroad Model Craftsman. |
| Walthers #932-3603 - 50' North American Ext. Post Insul. Boxcar · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 22000 to 22028 - RBL · 50'-1" IL · 70 tons · 4589 cu ft
· more prototype info
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| Walthers #932-4700 - 50' Waffle Box Car · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 2700 to 2709 - XL · 50'-6" IL · 75.5 tons · 5050 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Seems to be a good match for these cars. |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 2710 to 2729 - XL · 50'-6" IL · 77 tons · 5238 cu ft
· more prototype info
Seems to be a good match for these cars. At one time Walthers offered this kit in GBW lettering (#933-4711). |
| Walthers #932-4771 - 50' Fruit Growers Express Insulated Box Car · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 22090 to 22091 - RBL · 51'-1" IL · 69.5 tons · 4843 cu ft
· more prototype info
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![]() | ![]() | WRX 9350 , 9351 - RBL · 51'-1 7/8" IL · 77 tons · 4870 cu ft
· more prototype info
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| Walthers #932-5350 - Jordan Spreader · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | KGB 190 -
· more prototype info
and images
The air tank on the back of the spreader should be vertical. The Walthers kit includes the correct air tank. |
| Walthers #932-5900 - 53' Thrall Gondola - smooth sides · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 20 to 29 - GB · 52'-6" IL · 100 tons · 2094 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
The Walthers Thrall gondola is a very close model but is currently out of production. |
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| Westerfield #10600 - Inside Stake 36' Coal Gondola · HO scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 4609 to 4647 - · 36'-0" IL · 40 tons
· more prototype info
Fairly close to the GBW prototype. |
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| Red Caboose #RN-15600 - 18-Rib, 4750 Cu.Ft. PS-2CD 3-Bay Covered Hopper · N scale |
![]() | ![]() | GBW 200 to 214 - LO · 100 tons · 4750 cu ft
· more prototype info
and images
Exact match for these pink covered hoppers. |
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| MTH #20-98385 - Jordan Spreader · O scale |
![]() | ![]() | KGB 190 -
· more prototype info
and images
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