Moloco HO 50′ NP Brainerd Built Center Double Door Box Car Northern Pacific “Brown, 1967 Repaint”

Description

Railroad Short Name: NP

In 1956 a new design (the subject of our model) emerged with a spec. change to Youngstown sides added to the design. With their distinctive diagonal panels on either side of the door opening meant a design change to the frame and associated side sill with a pronounced dip in the sill. These changes stiffened up the overall car and particularly the door opening. Brainerd manufactured 1350 cars of this design from 1956 to 1959 quite a feat considering that equated to about two cars a day. Perhaps the reason to purchase Youngstown sides instead to keep up with production levels. Being of Plate B clearance standard translated to unlimited service to all rail lines in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The following 1960-61 years another design change evolved with welded sides and Superior double-sliders, but basically the same distinctive centering of the doors remained. (500 cars)

Lettering variations between car numbers to follow prototype locations and details.

Besides the lack of the “Vista-Dome” slogan, there are other slight changes from the “Classic” NP shadow scheme;

• The Large NP Shadow logo is slightly different.
• The reporting marks and numbers are stacked versus side by side on the previous.
• There are some subtle variations in the lettering inside of the Monad.
• Lack of roofwalk with the associated yellow warning labels.

Features:

• Differing lettering placements for individual car numbers for repainted cars
• Accurately applied roofwalks or not with cut down ladders to match era specific schemes
• Car number specific handbrakes, Ajax, Ellcon-National, Equipco, Klasing or Universal
• Fixed frame design with manual brake wear controls
• Brainerd designed etched roofwalk specifically designed
• Wire parts for ALL brake rods, air pipes, and stirrups in specific NP styles
• Durable rubber air hoses and metal corner stirrups
• 50t trucks with metal wheels and axles
• Highly detailed welded Stanray R3-4 ends uniquely used by the Brainerd Shops
• Distinctive 8 run long style ladders on sides and ends
• Researched accurate lettering, from the smallest stencils to the nuisances of the Monads so distinctive of the day
• Kadee ”Scale” Whisker couplers