While the Pennsylvania handled a formidable volume of less-carload-lot (LCL) freight traffic, increasing competetion from trucking companies and arch-rival new York Central led to the introduction of dedicated Merchandise Service in the late 1940s. Running on expedited schedules, trains could cover the 900 miles between New York and Chicago in 32 hours.
Newly Tooled X29b Boxcar! First time available as a WalthersProto Model!
As part of the upgrades, Pennsy launched a major rebuilding program for its signature X29 boxcars, resulting in a larger capacity car with a bigger body mounted on the original underframe, classified as the X29b. These rebuilt cars left the shops with a distinct paint and lettering scheme that prominently advertised the service. Although gradually folded into Truc-Train piggyback operations, many of the X29bs wore their colorful paint schemes for years afterward, remaining in general freight service.
All-new tooling!
First time as a WalthersProto model!
Body features correct 10'6" Intreior height, modernized roof, ends and doors
Separately applied ladders, grab irons and other details
Correct size RP-25 metal wheelsets
Proto MAX(TM) metal knuckle couplers
Special N6B Cabin Cars included only in Sets! Protecting the trains were the road's traditional N6B wood cabin cars (cabooses), which were sometimes handled in mid-train to expedite pick ups and set outs en route. Features of these models include:
In service 1913 to late 1960s - several preserved today
Perfect for steam and diesel-era freight operations
Authentic Pennsylvania design
Over 30 factory-applied details including grab irons, bracing, underbody, interior and more
Sloped-side cupola in centered position
Fully assembled, ready for service
Correct Trucks
Correct 36" RP-25 wheels
Proto MAX(TM) metal knuckle couplers
Cars available only in this set include: 12 40' Rebuilt X29b Box - #30907, 30912, 30918, 30933, 30935, 30949, 30956, 30968, 30977, 30986, 30988 and 30995
N6B Cabin Car (Caboose) #981137 Western Region
Available separately -
WalthersProto FP7-F7B Power Dual-Service Diesels
Meeting schedules called for faster motive power, that included the road's dual-service FP7 and F7B sets, geared for faster speeds and equipped to handle freight, passenger and mail trains. Available separately in two authentic paint schemes, the models include train phone antennas and other era-specific details, and they're available with LokSound 5 Sound and DCC versions for DCC or DC powered layouts, as well as Standard DC versions. Read more about these great models here!
