Greetings,

Somewhat dovetailing with our replication and "make believe" discussions, I was pondering a possible future project. I'd like to hear what you purists have to say.

I'm contemplating taking a project that may require some fabrication. It would entail adding skirts to a railcar to match a group of others that once existed. The hitch is that the car never had skirts, but is from the same railroad. The goal is to create a scene that once existed realizing that concessions will have to be made. I'm a fan of skirts though one has a good argument against them from a carmen's standpoint.

The project would be private, therefore we don't have to debate the merits/demerits of spending public money. Furthermore, I recognize the rights of private ownership including the option of turning the car into razorblades (I'd never have the stomach to do that).

God Bless,
Gerald W. Kopiasz
Heartland Railroad Historical Society

hrrhs@aol.com

Would this be a case where you might consider only placing skirts on one side of the car, allowing it to represent both types? Use of signs and/or photo panels nearby or inside would allow you to tell the "stories" of both cars at once and reduce the work needed as well. Just a thought.

Museum of Transportation
rdgoldfede@aol.com

Greetings,

Thanks for the thought. I will most certainly consider that, especially since I didn't consider the half/half route. As far as having pictures: I'm definately considering this. Especially regarding one car since its interior will be completely different than when it was in service (the changes have occurred long before I will restore it).

My guestimation is that since skirts on not necessary for operation, this would be a gradual modification. For instance, starting with a car that once had them and evaluate the results. Another option would be to only partially add skirts (i.e., the corners). The reason why I'm making it such an issue is that I'm a personal fan of skirts. I think they epitomize the era, especially when they aren't a commonality among cars.

Question: Are there any cars out there that still have full skirting?

Thanks,
Gerald W. Kopiasz

> Would this be a case where you might
> consider only placing skirts on one side of
> the car, allowing it to represent both
> types? Use of signs and/or photo panels
> nearby or inside would allow you to tell the
> "stories" of both cars at once and
> reduce the work needed as well. Just a
> thought.


hrrhs@aol.com