Combi car idea needs input

[Outback]

I have an idea that needs some expanded input from the MR community here in order to progress to the next stage.

The short story is that I want to be able to take small groups of passengers (for giggles lets say from 1-20) on the weekly wayfrieght but can not accomodate regular sized passenger equipment on my prairie branch line trackage. A weekly mixed train so-to-speak but in a minimalist way.

Stage one: Identify equipment needed and locate same for purchase or rebuild.

Now, my first thought was to just use one of our 4 cabeese to handle this task, but what if they had baggage and supplies? And, our cabeese are working cabeese so what about interferance w/ crews on duty by people and their "stuff".

So then the thought of an old fashioned combination baggage/passenger car came to me. But the only thing close to the size needed would be 100 years old and we need reliable vs repairable. So that idea was put aside. The next thought was a newer car, but they are all too big. So, where does that leave me? Custom built? Kitbashed?

What I would like to know for starters is:

1- is there any sort of modern-ish (1960's- present) combo car that would not exceed 60'?
2 - what other ideas do you have as to what to use for this task?
3 - pictures are worth a crapload, so post your ideas and examples if you have any.

I have also thought of refitting a caboose specifically for this task, but can't get past the initial idea to work out any details. Maybe a kitbash and frame stretch with a box car, I don't know.

Your thoughts are welcome to help solve this conundrum.

TIA,
D

 

[jayl1]

[QUOTE=

I have also thought of refitting a caboose specifically for this task, but can't get past the initial idea to work out any details. Maybe a kitbash and frame stretch with a box car, I don't know.



Mantua made/makes a "drovers caboose" which may solve your problem (if you like Mantua)

 

[Outback]

Yeah that would work too, but in a more modern format. Perhaps a kitbash job.

I am also considering an army troop kitchen refitted for passengers and baggage.

Both ideas will need modern upgrades in the way of trucks &c. I wonder if there was any steel sided Drovers cabooses. I heard some railroad ran them into the 70's out of montana for cattle hands.

 

[tomstockton]

You might want to try one of the old MDC / Roundhouse Harrimann-style cars; I found a picture of a coach here in another thread:

The car in the picture is a coach, but I think they may have had a combine car -- I know they also had a baggage car and a business car. All were about 60 feet in length, had four-wheel trucks and Talgo-type couplers. My guess is that e-Bay would be a good place to find one, as I don't think they're in production any more.

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Tom Stockton

 

[cv_acr]

Your rebuilt caboose idea is not without precedent. Ontario tourist line Port Stanley Tourist Rail has a bunch of small coaches that are converted cabooses with extra windows cut into the sides.

http://www.travelswithlefty.com/portstanley.html

You could always extend the idea by removing the cupola, added new windows to half the caboose and cutting in a freight door in the other half to make a baggage compartment.

Use this converted passenger car in addition to your normal working caboose, as most mixed trains operated this way.

 

[Outback]

I like the Harriman style coaches, that CP one has a nice look to it, but I am still a bit concerned about curve negotiation. However, 65 feet is better than most. I may look into that Tom, thanks.

Nice link Chris, Thanks. I see the precedent and it's kind of funny, they use a couple of bay window cabeese which is what I have been thinking of lately as the problem solver.

But I wouldn't add all the extra tall windows.

I had also considered a wide vision with the cuploa removed and somehow patched and they even provide a precedent and proto for that...

I like the results and look of it. May be just the ticket also.