MP Paired Airslide Hoppers

[Ray Swanson]

Here is a factory painted Walthers kit I assembled and dressed up a bit. I replaced several parts including the grabs, stirrups, running boards, handbrake wheels, control valves and reservoirs as well as the trucks (not correct but standing in at the moment for some proper replacements). After the running boards were replaced I repainted the entire roof and touched up the ends and replaced parts.

https://pbase.com/mecrharris/image/171646752

https://pbase.com/mecrharris/image/171646753

https://pbase.com/mecrharris/image/171646754

For some context, here’s the upgraded model in progress next to the much better Athearn model:

https://pbase.com/mecrharris/image/171655509

https://pbase.com/mecrharris/image/171736884

https://pbase.com/mecrharris/image/171736885

https://pbase.com/mecrharris/image/171736886

https://pbase.com/mecrharris/image/171736888

I want to point out that Ted Ferkenhoff’s photos posted to this site helped out a great deal!

[peggyrothschild]

Ryan
Very nice work; I remember having meeting with Mechanical and Marketing when these were developed. Seems they were used on trackage with light loading conditions due to the bridges.

[Ray Swanson]

Thanks, Charlie. It was your question about the prototype cars that resulted in the photos being posted, so thanks for that, too. I had a really hard time finding any prototype images until I saw your thread.

I wish the decoration on the Walthers cars was a bit cleaner, but hopefully some weathering can disguise the rough areas. Despite the inconsistent printing quality on the car, the lettering does appear to be pretty accurate.

[Author]

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