LXOH 35, LXOH 24 - Part I

Next up are two more of the LXOH family of covered hoppers. For this project, I have selected two cars, LXOH 35 and 24 to represent using the Tangent 4750 undecorated kit. Unlike our previous model, these prototype cars have 18 exterior posts, more similar to the PS 4750 covered hopper vs the 16 exterior posts and unique jacking pads on the 4740.

Here is a decent overview of LXOH 24, photos taken in September, 2013 at Enterprise:

 

As you can see, this car is an exact copy of the PS 4750, however, as you can see in the 3rd photo, these were in fact manufactured by Portec, at their Winder, Georgia facility. This car should be fairly straight forward and easy to replicate, it is a light beige color, nearly grey, and has light weathering.

 

Next, we have WGCR 35, formerly LXOH 35:

 

 

This car has only recently been re-stenciled to WGCR reporting marks. WGCR/LXOH 35 was chosen because of its heavy weathering, blue base color, and it's perfect match to the Tangent 4750 (Pullman Standard) car.

 

Among the assortment of covered hopper cars operated previously by G&O, most were of the Portec 4750 copies, however, the other largest quantity are the rather unique Portec Xtra 4750 cars, which feature a hefty side stiffener along the top of the car:

 

 

Other unique features include 18 exterior posts, the straight angled vs rounded top, unique sideways rectangular jack pads, the sill comes out of these jack pads rather than continue from the side of the car, and finally, the side ladders angle back towards the ends after the last grab iron.

 

Because of these features it would be difficult to modify the Tangent car to match this prototype. This one will have to wait until a closer commercially available version becomes available.

 

Starting point for 24 and 35, as mentioned, will be undecorated Tangent 4750 cars. At first glance, the cars do not require any modification to match the above prototype. The kits require light assembly, details to follow, and the only addition to the model will be the side mounted air line. I ordered a parts sprue I thought would contain the latter part, but it was not included. Therefore, I will be making the air line from wire stock and extra brackets from the 4740 kit.

 

As with the previous model, these also will receive Proto:87 wheels and Sergeant couplers to fit the future standards of the planned layout.