(erielack) Erie / EL Modernized Coaches and Diner Models

[James G Flynn <jimbatt1_@_juno.com>]

        Recently, there has been some discussion of producing a correct
model of the Tavern Lounge cars.
        I have another trial balloon to float here.
        Recently I have taken inventory of my passenger equipment and
have come to the conclusion that I need more coaches and diners.
        I have several of the brass modernized heavyweight coaches and a
couple of the modernized diners, all imported by Nickle Plate Products
several years ago.  These don't seem to be very readily available now. 
And when they do show up now and then the prices are away up there.  At
the time these were released in brass, they came in sets of a coach and
diner or a coach and milk reefer.
        Funaro & Camerlengo brought out a very creditable kit of the milk
reefers as well as the sliding door version express box car, available
through the ELHS.  VERY NICE !  (But the decals---------?  Paul T. are
you out there ?)  
        After completing some of the Funaro & Camerlengo resin Stillwell
kits, I came to the conclusion that resin might be an answer to this
shortage.  While working on the Stillwells, I compared them to some
Northwest Shortline brass versions, which I also have.  And it looks
like, to me, that F&C used them to create the molds for their resin kits.
 Very close !
        I'd be real interested to see what JJL Models could do with a
project like this.  After building your Dunmore Caboose kits, Joe, you
would be my first choice.  But failing that, could Tim Costello work with
one of the manufacturers to bring these out.
        Since the interest might be limited to us Erie / EL people, they
could be offered through the ELHS, as the express box cars were. Or maybe
there would be a wider demand and they could be offered for general sale.
        And, incidentally, everyone could have their own Diner # 741 !
        
        Jim Flynn
        ELHS # 2598
        jimbatt1_@_juno.com    

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