[Click on the above thumbnail image for an enlarged version - BM70k with modernized door hardware shown]
With the initial release of our B60b kit now more than a year behind us, the Hell Gate Models staff has been busy developing our next release, the PRR class BM70k RPO-baggage car. With it's 30-foot RPO compartment accompanying a 40-foot baggage section, this was a versatile car class which traveled far and wide across the PRR system. First built in 1922, the BM70k class survived in active RPO service into the Penn Central era, and lasted in work train service as late as 1995, well into into the Conrail era. The BM70k class saw significant use in heavy headend mainline consists such as the "Duquesne", and also in innumerable branchline consists.
The BM70k class was the second largest class of RPO-baggage cars on the PRR, outnumbered only by the subsequent BM70ka class. Several significant variations existed within the BM70k class - brought about when the PRR undertook an active program in the 1940's to upgrade older cars from various BM70 subclasses into class BM70k, thus increasing the size of this class. Both original and rebuilt cars lasted into the Penn Central era.
Our BM70k kit features rivet detail, and comes with decals, etched-brass detail parts, and working diaphragms included. The kit can be constructed to represent either as-built or rebuilt BM70k configurations, and includes both original and modernized door hardware.
Details: Check our BM70k page .
Price: $33.00
Availability: In stock.
[Click on the above thumbnail images for an enlarged version - standard and messenger-equipped cars shown]
The B60b was a uniquely PRR car with its balloon roof and porthole windows, but it was probably the most traveled railroad-owned passenger train car of the pre-Amtrak era. The B60b was regularly seen all across the vast PRR system. It also traveled throughout the United States as the Pennsy B60b's were regularly seen on trains to Texas and Florida, and on New England trains to Boston, Maine, and Montreal. B60b cars were regularly expedited to Los Angeles in the consist of the Santa Fe "Fast Mail"! This kit fills a large void for modelers of passenger trains of the PRR and other railroads.
Hell Gate Models B60b baggage and express car kits come in two versions, a standard version and a messenger-equipped version with roof vents. The kits include correct PRR 2D-P5 trucks by East Wind Manufacturing and separate brake wheel, and we are now also including decals with our B60b kits.
To complete the kit, the modeler adds the following parts (not provided): couplers (Microtrains #1023 or 1025), stirrups (Gold Medal Models #160-56), and grabirons and diaphragms (if desired).
Details: Check our B60b page .
Please note that Hell Gate Models customers who purchased B60b kits prior to December 2002 are entitled to request FREE DECALS for their kits. See our What's New page for details.
Price: $27.00
Availability: In stock.
Price: $29.00
Availability: In stock.
[Click on the above thumbnail image for an enlarged version - assembled (unpainted) car shown]
Hell Gate Models passenger car kits are cast-resin kits of railroad-specific prototypes - specific car classes unlikely to ever be available in Ready-to-Run form. A couple of hours at the workbench will reward you with a prototypically correct car that you can be proud of. Our one-piece cast bodies with separate underframe castings make for simple assembly of the basic car structure. The addition of etched-brass detail parts, paint and lettering completes the car.