West Penn 700s Interior

[Edward G Skuchas]

I have photos of the WP body at Arden, which is now under wraps.  When I uncover the location of the photos, I will then post the information.  There is some nicely detailed information about the body details available, so making model patterns should not be a problem.  That early PRClub drawing has always been a good source of details and dimensions.  Other plans are based on it.  I can remember trying to have those bodies etched in brass about 10 to 15 years ago.  Its always difficult to find the right people to get the work done.  With some domestic patterns, hopefully available soon, those car models will become a reality.  I would be nice if St P Models would make them, but I think that is more a 2001 or 2002 project.  I also think they would defer the job somewhat until they can produce a model with rivets at an economical price.  I tried to convince some importers to consider the project in O scale.  They get worried about how many they can sell.  Is the line or car too obscure.  I always thought they were fascinating.  Some of my friends rode them and commented about the herringbone gears in the tucks.  Very smooth operation.  So what is a good color for the body?  A traction orange with black roof?  Lets start out with some good information.  I can't imagine that the orange was as bright as some Indiana Railroad cars were painted.
Regards,

Edward G. Skuchas, P.E.
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Parsons Energy & Chemicals Group, Inc.
2675 Morgantown Road
Reading, PA 19607
610-855-2532 voice
610-855-2161 fax
edward.g.skuchas at parsons.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Holland [mailto:pghpcc at pacbell.net]
Sent: Monday, September 18, 2000 6:01 PM
To: PRCo -- WP -- JTC -- The Big (042)3(042) --
Subject: West Penn 700s Interior


Greetings!

	Looking at the photos in the West Penn publications by PTM and CERA, it
would appear that the ceiling inside is an ivory.  Does this sound
correct?

	Some of the photos seem to indicate rather dark interior sides (photos
pg.71 of CERA book) and the same on page 21 of PTM book.  Kind of looks
chocolate brown - but this isn't Hershey!  Does anyone know the color?

	I guess we all know the exterior is orange, NO?!  Do you see a hint of
*red* in that orange  --  JUST  Kidding; just kidding!

	Looking at the scenery surrounding the cars, esp. the all-color Volkmer
book, brings back many fond memories.  Now if we could only shift San
Francisco weather to Allegheny, Westmoreland, Fayette, and Washington
Counties - even Somerset - it would sure be nice to live back there!

James B. Holland

        Pittsburgh  Railways  Company  (PRCo),   1930  --  1950
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